Tyrese Haliburton’s Stunning 40-Point Night: Inside the Record-Breaking Performance That Has NBA Fans Buzzing

Indiana Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton enters tonight’s pivotal Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks riding a wave of momentum—and a slice of NBA history. In just 13 first-quarter minutes in Game 3, the All-Star became only the second player since detailed play-by-play tracking began in 1998 to record at least 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in a single postseason quarter, joining LeBron James in that exclusive club. Haliburton’s Historic Start • 18 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST on 5-for-7 shooting (4-for-5 from three) before the first timeout in Game 3 • Set the tone for a 38-point Pacers opening period, their highest of this postseason • Surpassed his own playoff career high for three-pointers in a quarter Fully Cleared, Fully Motivated The Pacers’ latest injury report lists Haliburton with no restrictions after minor back tightness earlier in the series. His availability is a crucial boost, especially with wing stopper Aaron Nesmith still questionable due to a right-ankle sprain. Adding emotion to the mix, the NBA has lifted an eight-game arena ban on Haliburton’s father, John, allowing him to attend in a private suite for the first time since April. The family reunion provides an extra jolt of energy for a player who openly shouldered blame for Indiana’s second-half collapse in Game 3. Series Snapshot • Pacers lead 2-1; Game 4 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse • Indiana is 7-1 at home this postseason, averaging 122.8 points per game • Knicks are 4-0 following a loss this playoff run, buoyed by a defense that forced 10 second-half turnovers in Game 3 Keys to Watch Tonight 1. Push the Pace: Haliburton criticized himself for failing to accelerate in crunch time. Expect more early-clock reads and downhill drives. 2. Limit Live-Ball Turnovers: New York’s transition offense feasted on steals late in Game 3; Haliburton’s ball security will dictate tempo. 3. Three-Point Volume: Indiana shot 50 percent from deep in the first half Sunday but just 29 percent after halftime. Haliburton’s pull-up accuracy is the barometer. What a Win Means A victory would give Indiana a 3-1 cushion heading back to Madison Square Garden, positioning the franchise for its first NBA Finals berth since 2000. Haliburton, already the first Pacer to average double-digit assists in the playoffs, can cement his ascent into superstardom with another statement performance. Bottom Line Tyrese Haliburton’s health, history-making confidence and renewed family presence create a perfect storm for the Pacers. If the 24-year-old maestro reproduces even a fraction of his record-setting first quarter, Indiana could seize control of the series and etch another line in the NBA record book before the night is over.