The Indiana Pacers are set to face the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals today, May 25, 2025, at 8:30 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. And while Game 3 might be tonight, for Knicks fans, the anxiety clock has been ticking since Wednesday. After watching Tyrese Haliburton dismantle their defense with a smile and a step-back, the question now isn’t just how the Pacers are winning, but if Indiana’s star guard will even be available to twist the knife a little deeper.
Let’s be clear, Indiana’s up 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. That’s rarified air. And the guy stirring the air like a cyclone is Haliburton. He went out and dropped 31 points, 4 rebounds, and 11 assists in Game 1. He didn’t stop there — 14 points, 3 assists, and a whole lot of swagger in Game 2. So yes, he played. Yes, he looked sharp. And yes, as of now, Tyrese Haliburton will be playing tonight in Game 3 vs the Knicks.
Well, the catch? There really isn’t one, not tonight. Haliburton is not listed on the injury report ahead of Game 3, which means he’s officially good to go. No “game-time decision,” no minutes restriction whispers. Just full clearance. And frankly, if you watched Games 1 and 2, you wouldn’t have guessed there was any question in the first place. He’s cutting, launching, setting the tempo, and grinning while doing it.
Haliburton looks like himself—fast, fearless, and in full command of the chaos.
Through the first two games of the series, Haliburton has looked like a man on a mission. He’s averaging 22 points and 11.5 assists against New York with ruthless efficiency. No hesitation, no rust, no restraint. He’s orchestrating Indiana’s offense with the flair of a maestro and the brutality of a street fighter. The Knicks have tried blitzing him, switching on him, sagging off him—none of it’s working. And as he keeps heating up, so does the confidence of every Pacers player around him.
And it’s not just his numbers that pop. It’s the vibe. The Pacers play faster, looser, and louder when Haliburton is in rhythm. Their fast breaks are cleaner. Their spacing is sharper. Even guys like Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard start moving like they’re in a symphony instead of a street brawl. It’s contagious, and it’s crushing.
What does Tyrese Haliburton’s presence in Game 3 of the Knicks vs Pacers mean?
If Haliburton suits up at even 80% (frankly, we all know he’ll play his best, like always), the Knicks are in trouble. Even with players like Jalen Brunson, who scored 36 points in game 2, OG Anunoby with 16, and Towns with 20 points, New York is running out of offensive lifelines. Haliburton’s presence means more transition chaos, more no-look dimes, and, maybe worst of all, more confidence from an Indiana squad that already smells blood.
And this isn’t just “Tyrese the scorer.” This is the All-NBA Third Team version. Voted one of the 15 best players in the league this season, Tyrese Haliburton just locked up his second straight All-NBA nod. And well, that cements his place among the league’s elite.
Last year’s honor kicked off his supermax contract eligibility. This year’s confirmation? That $260 million five-year deal is no longer just ink on paper—it’s fully in play. Because if you’re out here making others rich with your highlight reels and clutch plays, it’s only fair you’re cashing in big time, too.
Haliburton isn’t just elevating Indiana on the court. He’s becoming the face of a franchise ready to break through. And while he’s raking in the millions, the Pacers are cashing in wins.
It’s a death sentence for teams that can’t get back on D. You know… like the Knicks. And then, there’s also the psychological factor. Haliburton isn’t just the guy running the offense. He’s the guy talking, smirking, pointing at the bench after a deep three. He’s the engine and the engine noise. Just that presence can rattle defenses. And for a Knicks team already showing cracks, the constant pressure of containing him, mentally and physically, is draining.
Now, as Tyrese Haliburton plays tonight, the real story isn’t just about “is he available?” It’s what happens if he’s close to 100%? If so, the Pacers may not just be headed to a 3-0 lead. They might be headed to the Finals.
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