A win against the Boston Celtics has seen the Indiana Pacers enter the In-Season Tournament knockout round. The Pacers move closer to being crowned winners of the inaugural NBA Cup as they gear up to square it off with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas.

Leading this impressive performance is Tyrese Haliburton, the face of the Indiana Pacers. Amid such glory, Haliburton takes time to think about his exemplary path to the NBA spotlight. The 23-year-old referred to his senior high school days as “no-star” days, highlighting the difficulties that created his special edge in the game.

From No-Star to NBA Standout

Haliburton disclosed details of his high school life, stating that there were no star rankings tied to his name. “I am a no-star in high school. You may have heard of 3 stars or something like that, but I am no star”. Nevertheless, Haliburton was able to leverage these adversities into opportunities and ultimately flourish as a result of his underdog status.

With Haliburton starting up with the Sacramento Kings in 2020, this previously untested path became apparent. But it is the Pacers where he has become a household word. This season has seen him improve greatly from his rookie state, and he has been an all-around game. The numbers attest to Haliburton’s star status. As far as the Pacers go, averaging 26.9 points per game and leading the NBA with 11.9 assists and 4.0 rebounds, it’s safe to say he is a force to be reckoned with and an irreplaceable asset.

Haliburton’s rise from a high school no-star to an NBA top scorer demonstrates his consistent perseverance, which saw him shoot at an impressive 52.1% from the field and 44.7% from beyond the arc.

Pacers rising: Tyrese Haliburton’s impact beyond personal glory

Haliburton’s outstanding performance takes the Pacers on a league pedestal, beyond individual laurels. In his incredible 17 games, he has taken control of the team with the force of his talent and leadership power. The Pacers, who used to be the underdogs, now have the in-season tournament as a target.

Read More: Why the Pacers or the Pelicans Winning the In-Season Tournament Is More Meaningful Than the Lakers or the Bucks?

However, Haliburton’s influence goes beyond his feats. While averaging 26.9 points per game and leading in assists, as well as shooting at an elite level, he is also likely earning a potential second consecutive All-Star appearance and becoming a contender on his own for leading the Pacers back to contention.

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A star with the Pacers rising leads his team towards the season, defining the story of a player who was obscure in high school but eventually became the difference-maker in the NBA.