Bill Simmons rips Tyrese Haliburton for embarrassing Game 5 vs. Knicks: "It looked like he didn't want the ball"

Bill Simmons didn't hold back expressing his disappointment with Tyrese Haliburton . In the newest episode of his podcast, the “Sports Guy” ripped the Indiana Pacers star for his repetitive inconsistencies and lack of aggressiveness, which was once again on full display in their Game 5 loss against the New York Knicks.

“That’s an embarrassing game for him. This guy's in the Olympic team, he knows he's being talked about for Second Team All-NBA. And this is the game where your best player has to recognize the moment … But he was 35-feet from the basket, [Andrew] Nembhard had the ball more than him. It really honestly looked like he didn't want the ball. I don't know what happened to him,” he said .

An inconsistent playoff run

While Haliburton may get a pass considering that this is the first playoff appearance in his career, fans and analysts are still critical of the inconsistencies that the All-Star point guard has displayed. Noting the weak competition left in the East and the massive injury advantage they gained over their opponents, the Pacers couldn't ask for a better opportunity make a run at an NBA championship. But unfortunately, it seems like their leader continues to disappear when it matters the most.

After leading his team at back-to-back victories at home to tie their series at two games apiece, Haliburton was passive again in pivotal Game 5 at the Madison Square Garden. He finished with only 13 points on 5-of-9 from the field as he and the Pacers were blown out, 121-91.

Thus far, Hali is averaging 18.5 points and 8.2 assists in 11 games this playoffs, a decrease from 20.1 points and league-leading 10.9 dimes he averaged during the regular season.

Hali needs to step up

With their backs against the wall and facing elimination, the entire Pacers squad will look for Tyrese to lead them to a Game 6 victory at home. But as it is, the big question mark lies in how the Indiana centerpiece will perform with their season on the line.

This 2024 Playoffs should've served as a platform for Tyrese to introduce himself as one of the league's biggest stars of the future. But so far, he hasn't really capitalized on that opporutinty. Indy fans can only hope that their franchise star will respond to the occasion and at least force Game 7.

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