After averaging at least 20 points and 10 assists per game in two seasons, the 24-year-old Pacers point guard Haliburton was once regarded as the future point guard of the NBA , especially among the big three-point representatives and the three-point trend. , the traditional passing-first point guard has almost been discontinued, and offensive ball-handling players like Curry , Lillard , and Alexander have become mainstream.
But the “magic” of Haliburton this season is disappearing. The Pacers’ performance and record this season are not as good as expected. The Pacers’ glory of reaching the Eastern Conference finals last season is fading, and Haliburton’s magic is also disappearing. The Pacers are currently eighth in the Eastern Conference with 12 wins and 15 losses, with a winning rate of only 44%, and their performance is not as good as expected. Haliburton averaged 18.1 points and 8.6 assists per game this year, shooting 426% from the field and 35% from three-point range. Last season, he averaged 20.1 points and 10.9 assists per game, shooting 477% from the field and 35% from three-point range. There was a slight decline at 30% to 64%.
Looking back at Haliburton’s performance last season, he was like a superb magician, but this season he is retreating instead of advancing. Video source: MaxaMillion711 YouTube channel
The data is degraded, the shooting rate is lower than the league level, the offensive efficiency and creativity are compromised, and the keyness of the game and tactical role directly affect the Pacers’ combat effectiveness. Pacers coach Carlisle has been trying to find out the cause and make countermeasures. Haliburton himself is also looking for answers, actively trying to get out of trouble and regain Haliburton’s smooth conduction and difficulty in criticizing the offensive rhythm in the game.
Carlisle believes that Haliburton can take on more, break into the penalty area more, attack the basket, and further create space, instead of deliberately trying to pass more passes to his teammates. Haliburton himself is very rational and full of wisdom: “I need to shoot the ball, especially the three-point gap. My teammates need my outside and space creativity, but sometimes I can’t find the shooting feeling. It just doesn’t bother me too much, I’m confident in the effort I’m putting in and the shots I’m putting in.”
“Team basketball” is the mainstream of today’s NBA. The Cavaliers have the best record this year. The Rockets and Magic are all beautiful interpretations of team basketball. But the Celtics, Thunder, and Bucks played “superstar basketball” with influence and extraordinary performance. Taytom , Alexander, and Antetokounmpo all led the team to show the greatest influence. These three stars are also the favorites for the annual MVP. candidate.
Haliburton’s star has been declining over the past year. This year, Haliburton has often been robbed of more of the spotlight by teammates forward Siakon , backup ball handler McConnell, and Pacers’ third-leading scorer Matheran. Siakon is responsible for more key decisive goals, McConnell is more critical to the influence of the game and his ability as a surprise player. Mathelen is an all-around 3D. This young shooting guard is showing his ability to change the game.
