Knicks star Jalen Brunson praises Tyrese Haliburton ahead of the Eastern Conference Finals, calling him the “engine” of the Pacers and acknowledging the challenge they pose.
As the New York Knicks prepare for their highly anticipated Eastern Conference Finals showdown with the Indiana Pacers, Jalen Brunson has made it clear he holds Tyrese Haliburton in high regard.
Haliburton has silenced his critics this postseason, most recently putting up 31 points in Game 5 to close out the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers now turn their attention to the Knicks, who ousted the Boston Celtics in six games.
In a viral post on X, Haliburton had a simple message for those who doubted him: “Overrate THAT.”
Asked about the upcoming matchup, Brunson emphasized the importance of team unity as the Knicks eye their first NBA Finals appearance in over two decades.
“As a team, we’ve got to stick together, focus on our identity, and control the controllables,” Brunson told reporters Monday.
“I’m obviously happy for [Haliburton’s] success, but this is a new test for us.”
Brunson also made a point to praise Haliburton’s evolution into one of the league’s most dynamic floor generals.
“He’s a great player. He’s proven a lot of people wrong,” Brunson said via SNY.
“He’s their engine — they go as he goes. He does so much for that team, so it’s going to be a serious challenge.”
Haliburton has been on a mission this postseason, especially after being voted the NBA’s most overrated player by his peers earlier this year. He responded emphatically in the first round, leading Indiana past the Milwaukee Bucks, and continues to deliver on the biggest stage.
With Game 1 tipping off soon at Madison Square Garden, all eyes will be on the Brunson vs. Haliburton duel — a battle of star point guards who are redefining the postseason.
