In an age where athletes are often tethered to their phones like lifelines, Tyrese Haliburton is doing the unthinkable—he’s unplugging. Yep, the Pacers’ star guard has wiped social media off his phone entirely heading into Game 7 of the NBA Finals. While Haliburton admits he's been “chronically online” for most of his life, this time he’s drawing a hard boundary between focus and distraction.
And let’s be honest—he has a point.
“This is the moment where narratives go wild, almost poison,” Haliburton said in the aftermath of the Pacers’ massive 108–91 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6. That win evened the series and forced what’s now set to be an all-out war in Game 7 on Sunday. “You’ll hear about legacy, city pride, the pressure... all of it. But that’s not the story we need to write right now.”
🏀 One Game. One Title. One Chance.
The magnitude of what’s ahead can’t be overstated. This is Indiana's shot at its first NBA title since merging from the ABA back in 1976. It’s also just the fifth NBA Finals Game 7 since 1994. Moments like this? They're historic. They’re rare. And the players know it.
“These are the moments you dream about as a kid,” said guard Andrew Nembhard. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime. I can’t wait to get out on that floor.”
And despite being the underdogs from Day 1, the Pacers have made everyone sit up and pay attention.
Let’s not forget—Indiana entered this Finals series not just as underdogs but as massive, history-defying longshots. We're talking biggest underdog-in-the-Finals-in-decades type vibes. Even after taking leads in Games 1 and 3, Vegas still wasn’t buying it. No betting market gave them an edge. Game after game, they were counted out. And yet? They kept coming.
Through six intense, high-pressure games, the Pacers have gone toe-to-toe with a juggernaut. The Thunder rolled through the regular season with 68 wins, the fifth-most in NBA history. They’ve got Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league MVP, and Jalen Williams, an All-NBA wing, not to mention the NBA’s top-rated defense. And still—Indiana is right there. One win away.
📌 Quick Hit Highlights: Why This Game 7 Is Everything
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Only the 5th NBA Finals Game 7 in 30 Years
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Indiana chasing its first NBA title ever
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Thunder boast MVP and league-best defense
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Pacers were underdogs in every single game
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Haliburton is leading while tuning out the noise
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National media dubbing the Pacers "unbelievable"
Despite what many call a "fluky" path—opponents’ injuries, favorable matchups—Indiana isn’t just hanging around. They’re dominating. Game 6 wasn’t close. And that performance has swayed even the national media to their side.
Zach Lowe of The Ringer called the Pacers potentially “the most unusual, unexpected NBA champion in the history of the sport.” And if they do win? “We will all talk about this team as long as we live and talk about basketball,” Lowe said.
Now that’s some legacy-level stuff.
But don't expect Haliburton and crew to be swept up in all that. He knows better.
“We can’t focus on that noise,” Haliburton said. “It’s about who’s going to be more physical, who’s going to protect the ball better, and who’s going to rebound. That’s what matters. Not the chatter.”
And it’s not just lip service. The locker room vibe is crystal clear—gritty focus. No one’s getting ahead of themselves. Not even Pascal Siakam, the only player on the roster with a ring. Well, one of two actually—Thomas Bryant also has one, and coach Rick Carlisle has earned his as both a player and coach.
“You’re blessed to even get this chance at this level,” Siakam shared. “I remember the times I had to start my vacation early. You don’t forget that. That’s why we’re grateful to still be playing, and we’ve got to make it count.”
🔥 Pacers = Poised + Hungry
The team isn’t pretending this is normal. They know how special this is. But they’re also walking that fine line between embracing the moment and staying laser-locked on the task.
“We’re not thinking about anything else except Game 7,” Siakam added. “It’s one game for everything. At this point, it’s just about heart. Sacrificing it all.”
Coach Carlisle echoed that same mentality. “Whatever’s been said, whatever happened before, it doesn’t matter now. It’s one game. It’s the ultimate game.”
And if you're wondering whether these guys are scared of the moment? Absolutely not. They're leaning into it. They're soaking in the atmosphere—but not letting it cloud their mindset. There’s no talk of legacy banners yet. No talk of underdog stories. Just basketball. Just execution. Just 48 minutes of grit.
🧠 Tyrese the Thinker
Haliburton’s cerebral approach might just be the X-factor. He’s not just a floor general—he’s a culture setter. His maturity is showing in how he leads, how he speaks, how he thinks. Deleting social media might sound simple, but in this day and age, it’s a statement. He’s not here for Twitter takes or highlight reels. He’s here to win.
“Every little thing matters now,” Haliburton emphasized. “We did our job to protect our home court. But that’s it. Now we’ve got to compete like our lives depend on it.”
So yeah, call them underdogs. Call them Cinderella. Call them whatever you want.
Just don’t count them out.
Game 7 is here. The lights will be blinding, the stakes higher than ever—and the Indiana Pacers, improbably, unbelievably, are right in the middle of it all.
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