Tyrese Haliburton’s name has become synonymous with clutch moments this season, as he’s repeatedly delivered when the stakes are at their highest. Up until now, the Indiana Pacers’ rising star has nailed four breathtaking shots that have electrified fans and shifted the momentum in crucial games. Each basket tells a story of poise, precision, and confidence that sets Haliburton apart as one of the league’s most exciting young talents.
Curious about which of these unforgettable moments resonated most with those who know him best, we turned to Haliburton’s Indiana teammates to find out which big bucket stood out as their favorite—and why. The answers offer a glimpse into Haliburton’s impact not just as a scorer, but as a leader and clutch performer who inspires those around him.
The Four Clutch Shots: Moments That Define a Season
Before diving into the teammates’ picks, let’s quickly recap the four clutch shots that have become defining moments for Haliburton this season:
- The Stepback Three to Seal a Win Against a Top Rival: With the clock ticking down in a tightly contested game, Haliburton created space with a slick stepback move and drained a three-pointer that put the Pacers ahead for good. The crowd roared as he calmly sank the shot with defenders closing in.
- The Baseline Runner Over Two Defenders: In a crucial road game, Haliburton showcased his fearless scoring ability by driving along the baseline and elevating over two defenders for a tough mid-range jumper. The shot not only tied the game but gave the Pacers momentum heading into overtime.
- The Game-Tying Deep Three in the Final Seconds: Trailing by two with seconds remaining, Haliburton didn’t hesitate. Receiving the ball at the top of the key, he launched a deep three-pointer that swished through the net, sending the game to overtime and sparking a massive team rally.
- The Buzzer-Beating Float to Win a Double-Overtime Thriller: Perhaps the most dramatic of all, Haliburton’s final buzzer-beater came in double overtime. Using his trademark ball control and vision, he maneuvered through traffic and floated a shot that barely kissed the rim before dropping, clinching a heart-stopping victory.
Which Shot Captured the Teammates’ Hearts?
We asked several of Haliburton’s teammates for their favorite clutch shot and the reasons behind their choice. The answers reveal not only admiration for his skills but also appreciation for his unshakeable confidence and leadership.
Buddy Hield: The Stepback Three
“Honestly, that stepback three against that top rival was just something else,” said Buddy Hield, known for his sharpshooting himself. “The way Tyrese creates space and shoots with that kind of calm under pressure? It’s storybook stuff. That shot wasn’t just clutch; it was a statement—he showed the league he belongs in these moments.”
Myles Turner: The Baseline Runner
Myles Turner pointed to the baseline runner as his favorite. “What stood out to me was how fearless he was, driving baseline over two defenders and making a tough shot. It wasn’t just the points—it was the message. It told everyone that no matter how much pressure there is, Tyrese stays composed and gets the job done.”
Chris Duarte: The Deep Three
Chris Duarte singled out the game-tying deep three as the moment that had the whole team buzzing. “That shot was electric. It’s the kind of play that changes the energy in the arena and on our bench. When he nailed that deep three with the clock winding down, it gave us a second wind and a belief that we could come back and win.”
Jalil Okafor: The Buzzer-Beater
For Jalil Okafor, it was the buzzer-beating float in double overtime that took the cake. “That shot was pure magic,” Okafor said with a smile. “It was like something out of a movie. We all held our breath as it went up. When it dropped, the whole team exploded. It wasn’t just a bucket—it was a moment that brought us all together and showed how clutch Tyrese can be.
The Impact Beyond the Numbers
While the highlight reels show Haliburton’s scoring ability, his teammates emphasize that his impact goes far beyond the points. They admire his work ethic, leadership, and ability to elevate those around him.
“Tyrese has this way of making everyone better,” said one teammate. “His clutch shots are great, but what really stands out is how he stays calm and confident in every moment. That energy spreads to us and helps us believe no matter the score or the pressure.”
Another teammate noted, “He’s the kind of player you want on your team in the fourth quarter—he’s unflappable. Watching him hit those shots reminds us all that the game is about heart as much as talent.”
Fans and Analysts Take Notice
The excitement around Haliburton’s clutch moments isn’t limited to the locker room. Fans have flooded social media with clips and praise, calling him one of the league’s best young clutch performers. Analysts have highlighted his incredible shooting percentages in crunch time and lauded his growth as a leader.
“It’s rare to see a young player with such poise and confidence in big moments,” one analyst said recently. “Haliburton’s ability to hit clutch shots consistently is a testament to his preparation and mindset.”
Looking Ahead: More Moments to Come?
If the season so far is any indication, Tyrese Haliburton is just getting started. With the Pacers making waves in a competitive Eastern Conference, there will be plenty more opportunities for him to deliver in clutch moments.
His teammates’ reflections on his favorite clutch shots show a shared belief: Haliburton’s storybook rise is far from over.
“It’s exciting to watch him grow and know there are still chapters ahead,” said Buddy Hield. “The best is yet to come.”
Final Thoughts
“It was storybook-esque”—that phrase perfectly encapsulates Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch performances so far. Each shot carries the weight of pressure and expectation, yet Haliburton meets the challenge with grace and skill.
His Indiana teammates’ favorite moments give us a window into the heart of a player who’s not only delivering big buckets but also inspiring those around him. As the season unfolds, fans can expect more highlight-reel shots and unforgettable moments from one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.
The question now isn’t just which shot will be his favorite next—it’s how many more storybook moments Tyrese Haliburton will create on his journey to greatness.
