Sue Bird Gave Tyrese Haliburton a Pep Talk & He Turned Into Magic Johnson
Tyrese Haliburton has officially reached a new level of playoff sorcery — and he might just have Sue Bird to thank for the mid-run Jedi unlock.
We’re talking historic numbers here. According to Polymarket Hoops, Haliburton just became the fastest player since Magic Johnson to hit 500+ points, 150+ rebounds, and 250+ assists in a playoff career.
That’s not some gimmick stat. Numbers like that elevate someone into superstardom, they bring athletes into the “you’ve entered the basketball history books” territory.
And while the numbers are nuts, it’s the way he’s doing it that’s got legends like Sue Bird watching like proud hoop moms.
“Clearly he’s figured it out,” Bird said. “My favorite part about watching Tyrese in this run is yes, the clutch play, the big moments.”
But she didn’t stop there. Because the greatness Haliburton is showing right now?
It’s not all sunshine and ankle snatches. It’s been a little chaotic. A little messy and that’s exactly what makes it real.
“It’s been a little up and down sometimes and that’s the reality… A lot of the times you talk about top players, you talk about All-Stars and you see their great play, but it always comes with a bad quarter, a bad run, a bad stretch.”
Facts.
Even superstars brick jumpers. Even the elite turn it over.
The best of the best? They figure it out in the mud and according to Bird, that’s exactly what Haliburton’s doing:
“he’s finding ways to win the game, hitting big shots, finding his teammates.”
That line right there is a masterclass in point guard praise. No sugarcoating. Just someone who’s been to four WNBA Finals with the Seattle Storm, who’s seen the grind, saying: Tyrese is doing the damn thing.
Playmaker Mode: Unlocked
This Pacers run isn’t fluky. It’s not hot shooting or one-off heroics. It’s Tyrese Haliburton playing the best ball of his life while leading a young Indiana squad one win away from the NBA Finals for the first time in nearly 25 years.
The Knicks are cooked unless Jalen Brunson shapeshifts into 2006 Dwyane Wade. Because Haliburton — the pass-first, shoot-when-he-needs-to wizard out of Iowa State — is now orchestrating games like he’s heard the Sue Bird voiceover in his head: “find your teammates, hit big shots, survive the bad stretches, and win.”
And it’s working.
Because Haliburton isn’t just showing up. He’s owning the moment. Taking over fourth quarters. Outdueling Brunson. Finding open shooters when the double comes. Doing the little things that turn a playoff game into a Pacers win.
And while every talking head is scrambling to recalibrate their “top guards in the East” list, Sue Bird’s already ahead of the curve. She sees what’s happening — the maturation, the resilience, the next-gen court vision.
She’s not gassing him up. She’s just calling it what it is.
Sue Bird had extensive discussions with Tyrese Haliburton on when to be a facilitator and when to be a scorer, noting that “he’s finding ways to win the game.” 🔥
— WNBACentral (@WNBACentral_) May 28, 2025
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With the Pacers up 3–1 on New York, Tyrese Haliburton is 48 minutes away from dragging Indiana to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. This isn’t Reggie Miller’s team anymore. It’s Tyrese’s show now.
And somewhere, Sue Bird’s probably watching with a glass of wine, nodding like a proud coach who never needed a clipboard.
Because the next time someone asks her about Haliburton? She won’t have to say much.
The numbers — and the wins — already told the story.
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