The NBA Finals stage is where narratives are built, reputations are forged, and perceived limitations are shattered. For the Indiana Pacers, their improbable run to the 2025 NBA Finals is not just a triumph of team chemistry and coaching, but a powerful testament to the transformative power of belief and opportunity, particularly for two of their most instrumental figures: Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. From overlooked “nice pieces” to indisputable stars, their journeys encapsulate the essence of untapped potential finally unleashed on the biggest stage.
Tyrese Haliburton’s ascent has been nothing short of meteoric, especially when viewed through the lens of his early career. Drafted 12th overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2020, he was initially seen as a promising guard, a “nice piece” for a franchise perpetually searching for stability.1 While his talent was evident, in Sacramento, he often played alongside another ball-dominant guard and was perhaps not fully empowered to run the offense as he could. When he was traded to the Indiana Pacers in February 2022, it was a moment of shock for him, yet it proved to be the ultimate catalyst for his superstardom.
In Indiana, Haliburton was immediately handed the keys to the offense, becoming the undisputed face of the franchise. Under Coach Rick Carlisle, he flourished, transforming into a true floor general capable of orchestrating one of the league’s most potent offenses. His uncanny passing vision, elite court awareness, and ability to push the pace have become the Pacers’ identity. He averages nearly 10 assists per game in the 2024-25 playoffs (specifically 9.4 assists in 19 games), consistently putting teammates in prime scoring positions.2 His shooting, while sometimes inconsistent, is crucial, and his clutch playmaking has often been the difference-maker in tight contests.
Despite his ll-Star selections and statistical brilliance, a peculiar narrative persisted around Haliburton, particularly during the 2024-25 regular season where a 90-player poll reportedly voted him the league’s most overrated player. That label, in hindsight, now appears ludicrous. His performances in the 2025 NBA Playoffs have unequivocally silenced any doubters. He has consistently showcased his ability to elevate his game when it matters most, leading the Pacers past established contenders and into their first NBA Finals in 25 years. He’s not just a “nice piece” anymore; he is the undisputed backbone of a Finals squad, the greatest floor general of the Eastern Conference, and the undeniable face of Indianapolis basketball. His composure, leadership, and unique offensive brilliance are now truly appreciated on the grandest stage.
Then there is Pascal Siakam. When he arrived in Indiana via trade from the Toronto Raptors in January 2024, the reaction was mixed. Many analysts and fans, perhaps influenced by a couple of down years in Toronto where his production dipped slightly and the Raptors struggled, were quick to dismiss him as “past his prime.” The narrative was that the Pacers had acquired a good player, but perhaps one whose best days were behind him, and that the cost (three first-round picks as part of the initial deal) was too high for a player approaching 30.
How wrong those assessments have proven to be. In Indiana, Siakam has found a renewed vigor and purpose, seamlessly integrating into the Pacers’ fast-paced system. He has not only regained his All-NBA form but has elevated his game to new heights, demonstrating his place on the largest stage as a true two-way force and the stabilizer this young Pacers team desperately needed.
Siakam’s impact has been profound on both ends of the court. Offensively, he provides a versatile scoring punch, capable of attacking from the post, driving to the basket, hitting mid-range jumpers, and even stretching the floor with an improved three-point shot (shooting an impressive 45.0% from three in the 2025 playoffs). He’s averaged 20.6 points per game in the 2025 playoffs, often taking the scoring burden when Haliburton faced increased defensive pressure. His ability to create his own shot and operate in the half-court has given the Pacers a crucial offensive dimension they lacked.
Defensively, Siakam’s length, athleticism, and versatility have been invaluable. He can guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and provide crucial help defense. His veteran experience, including being a key member of the 2019 Toronto Raptors championship team, has instilled a calm confidence in the Pacers, particularly in crunch-time situations. He’s a vocal leader and a guiding presence for his younger teammates.
The ultimate validation of Siakam’s resurgence came with his Eastern Conference Finals MVP Award.3 His dominant performances against the New York Knicks, where he consistently delivered crucial points and stifling defense, proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is far from “past his prime.” He put up big numbers, including a 39-point explosion in Game 2 against the Knicks and a 31-point effort in the Game 6 clincher that sealed the Pacers’ trip to the Finals. This award is a testament to his consistent impact, his ability to elevate his play in high-pressure moments, and his undeniable role in the Pacers’ historic journey.
The stories of Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam are interwoven with the Pacers’ success. They are a testament to the power of a change of scenery, a supportive coaching staff, and the belief in untapped potential. From being questioned to leading a Finals team, their journeys exemplify that true greatness often emerges when given the right environment to flourish, proving that narratives can be rewritten and that perceived limitations are merely stepping stones to undeniable stardom. The Pacers’ run is a celebration of what happens when talent meets opportunity and belief, turning two doubted players into indispensable forces on the NBA’s grandest stage.
