Tyrese Haliburton made a sensational comeback to defeat the Bucks, breaking a three-game losing streak. After missing the last three games due to a hip injury, Haliburton had a high-energy game, hitting his four-point play. His heroic effort has propelled them to the coveted fifth spot in the Eastern Conference standings alongside the fourth-ranked Bucks. However, Milwaukee didn’t slide down to 36-28 without a fight! As both teams jostled to elevate in the East, TNT analyst Shaquille O’Neal had a word for the Bucks.

On Tuesday’s TNT segment, Candace was the first to highlight when Adam Lefkoe questioned why Giannis Antetokounmpo always puts up a great game against the Pacers. She added how the Pacers don’t have a player with the same physicality as Bucks star. It’s tough to find an answer for the Greek Freak. And that is why the Pacers had Pascal Siakam in action who made the matchup quite clearly difficult for Antetokounmpo. Furthermore, Parker appreciated how the Greek Freak took on different roles. 

However, the 4 X NBA champion disagreed with Parker. He said, “Indiana Pacers is that younger brother that you have to keep beating up. They’re pesty, they’re feisty, they want to be like the Milwaukee Bucks.” Shaq continued, “They’re going to keep coming no matter what they’re right there on their heel so they really feel good about their position but the reason why Giannis likes to playing because they play hard they play above their heads but you got to keep beating this team up,” he added. While he agreed that Giannis is indeed competitive, he wants the Bucks to use it to defeat the Pacers.

O’Neal and Parker’s discussion seems to explain why Giannis always puts up a great game against the Pacers. And this also says what he needs to keep doing to beat the Pacers. Antetokounmpo has averaged nearly 38 points in the last 14 games and set a franchise record with a 64-point game against the Pacers. He also has two 50-point games against the rivals. 

“He’s shooting a career high from mid-range but against the Pacers he’s putting his head down and he’s getting to the rack and he’s getting to the rim and that’s what we’re accustomed to see from The Greek Freak now the question is whether the guys around him are going to be able to knock down shots and open up the lane more for him,” Parker had earlier explained about Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo clearly loves the competition! 

In this matchup, the Indiana Pacers star Haliburton became the star by leading his team to a 115-114 win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. And former NBA player and Pacers legend had high words of praise for the star player.

Reggie Miller appreciated Tyrese Haliburton’s dagger over Milwaukee Bucks

The 25-year-old recorded 14 points and 10 assists, helping his team reach a 36-28 record. With three seconds left on the clock, his team was down by three. After much struggle, Haliburton made a tough three-pointer while getting fouled by Antetokounmpo. “It feels good. We struggled to make shots all night, I missed some big ones down the stretch, made some boneheaded plays. It’s only right that that one falls,” Haliburton said. He then hit a free throw, sealing the win.

He had support from Pascal Siakam, who contributed 25 points and 12 rebounds. Among those witnessing this spectacular moment was Pacers legend Reggie Miller. “That’s awesome. There’s no better feeling especially in this building to have a shot and a feeling like that, knowing you are chasing the team in front of you for a race for the fourth seed, this is just a wonderful feeling for Haliburton and his family,” Miller said. 

While Bennedict Mathurin added 17 points, Myles Turner contributed 13. It was a narrow escape, but this was surely a glimpse of what’s to come. Next up, the Pacers will face the 76ers before their rematch with Milwaukee Bucks.