Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton survived the Eastern Conference after beating the New York Knicks in the conference finals after six games. On Saturday, the Pacers had a 125-108 win to advance to the NBA Finals and face the Oklahoma City Thunder. While Pascal Siakam was awarded the conference finals MVP award, the praise regarding Haliburton has been non-stop.

One of the players who had something positive to say about the Pacers star is Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green. The four-time NBA champion spoke highly of the two-time All-Star. Green specifically talked about Haliburton’s ability to handle the ball well. According to the 6-foot-6 big man, Indiana’s franchise star has an “underrated” handle.

Haliburton is mostly known for his passing ability. However, Green pointed out that the young star has shown that he can be considered one of the best ballhandlers in the league, along with Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving.

“The reason they don’t pressure (Tyrese Haliburton) like that is Hali’s handle is very underrated and sneaky,” Green said. “I think all of those guys also know that if they try to pressure, he’ll bop they a** so fast.”

“Steph Curry and Kyrie Irving, their ball handling starts when it appeared to you that they’ve lost the basketball,” Green continued. “Because you think they’ve lost it, and they got it so crazy on the yo-yo where as soon as you go to reach, you so out of position that there’s no way you could catch up. Hali got some of that.”

Green said that because most players underestimate him, he doesn’t get pressured a lot by the defense. Even Green’s co-host, former point guard Baron Davis, spoke highly about how intelligent Haliburton is when he handles the ball.

Former Indiana Pacers Guard Criticized Jalen Brunson For Holding the Ball Too Long 3 May 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) meets with teammates on the court in the second half against the New York Knicks during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Ahead of Game 6, the Indiana Pacers star was locked in for the elimination game. At pregame, Haliburton was seen with an all-black outfit and a duffel bag. Knicks superfan and famed comedian Ben Stiller commented on the look.

“Good thing he brought his duffel for the flight to NY,” Stiller posted.

However, the Pacers’ star kept receipts and clapped back at the comedian on social media.

“Nah, was to pack y’all up,” Indy’s star player said.

Stiller played it cool and wished Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers luck on their best-of-seven series against the Thunder in the NBA Finals.

“Congrats. All the best in OKC,” Stiller replied.

During the conference finals, Haliburton averaged 21 points, six rebounds and 10.5 assists.

Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton Surpasses Chris Paul in This 1 Wild Point Guard Stat 2 Mar 24, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images