The 2025 NBA playoffs have been full of surprises, but one storyline continues to gain steam—Tyrese Haliburton isn’t just good, he’s elite. And former Chicago Bulls Ex-Bulls Player Blasts guard Jay Williams isn’t holding back when it comes to defending Haliburton’s superstar status.
After Haliburton dropped a historic stat line in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals—32 points, 12 rebounds, 15 assists, and 4 steals with zero turnovers —Williams took to social media to slam critics who still don’t see Haliburton as a top-tier player.
“Oh, I’m sorry—did I miss the memo where 32-15-12 with ZERO turnovers in 38 minutes isn’t elite anymore? If that stat line doesn’t scream superstar, what exactly are we watching?” – Jay Williams
Haliburton’s Playoff Dominance Can’t Be Ignored
Let’s be honest—no one expected the Indiana Pacers to go this deep in the playoffs, let alone be one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. But here they are, thanks largely to Haliburton’s jaw-dropping performances.
Through 14 playoff games this season, Haliburton has tallied:
- 272 points
- 137 assists
- Just 27 turnover
Clutch after clutch moment
His composure, court vision, and ability to carry his team through adversity have all pointed to one thing—he belongs in the superstar conversation.
The Stephen A. Debate That Sparked the Fire
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith recently argued that Haliburton didn’t fit the traditional mold of an NBA superstar. That claim didn’t sit well with Williams, who knows a thing or two about point guards after playing alongside some greats during his time in the league.
Williams made it clear: stats don’t lie, and neither does the eye test. Haliburton isn’t just racking up numbers—he’s leading a young, hungry Pacers squad into uncharted territory.
What’s Next for Haliburton and the Pacers?
With the Pacers now just one win away from the NBA Finals, Haliburton has silenced many doubters. Whether or not you call him a superstar, there’s no denying he’s playing like one when it matters most.
And if Jay Williams has anything to say about it, fans and analysts alike better start giving Haliburton the respect he deserves.