Tyrese Haliburton quit social media after Game 1 and helped the Indiana Pacers reach Game 7 | NBA News
Tyrese Haliburton’s timeline went dark after Game 1—but his game lit up. As the Indiana Pacers took a tough early hit in the Finals, Haliburton cut ties with every app on his phone. No more scrolling, no more noise. Just basketball. What followed was a performance that shook up the Thunder and forced a Game 7. And all of it started the moment he logged off.
How Tyrese Haliburton’s digital detox turned into a breakout performance
Tyrese Haliburton’s move to “go off the grid” following Game 1 was more than just a gesture—it was a smart tactic. After the Pacers lost the first game in a close match, Haliburton was left feeling injured and questioned. By deleting his Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok accounts, he cut out the noise, allowing him to refresh his mind and body for the tough road ahead.In Game 6, Haliburton—though struggling with a sore right calf—was the key player in the Pacers’ commanding 108–91 win against the Thunder. His defensive effort triggered a 30–9 run leading into halftime. He scored 14 points, dished out five assists, and made two steals, highlighted by a vital deflection on Jalen Williams that resulted in a no-look assist to Pascal Siakam. The Pacers forced 21 turnovers and created leads as large as 30 points by the third quarter.Despite the Thunder’s struggles—Voters’ MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored just 21 points and had eight turnovers—Haliburton’s composed leadership enabled Indiana to take back control of the series. The Pacers’ bench made a strong impact too, with Obi Toppin dropping 20 points, Andrew Nembhard contributing 17, and Siakam adding another 16 points.With the Finals heading to a do-or-die Game 7 on Sunday night in Oklahoma City, the stakes are incredibly high. Haliburton’s steady and disciplined shift in focus—evident in his court play—has marked a pivotal moment. After going through criticism, injuries, and the whirlwind of social media, he’s set to shine again when it’s crucial.Also Read: Stephen A. Smith’s daughter made a surprise appearance that no one saw comingTyrese Haliburton’s brave choice to remove himself from social media following Game 1 was a bit of a risk. But now, as the Pacers head into Game 7, that decision has shown its value. By tuning out the noise and concentrating his efforts on winning, Haliburton has helped his team surpass what people thought they could do. As Indiana readies for the biggest match of the season, it’s clear: sometimes, distancing oneself from the distractions is exactly what a leader needs to shine.
