In the past two games, Haliburton has scored 22 points, 23 assists and 2 turnovers and 21 points, 20 assists and 0 turnovers. Haliburton became the third player in NBA history to score at least 20 points and 20 assists in two consecutive games: Magic, with 40 assists and eight turnovers in two games, Stockton, 41 assists and six turnovers in two games, and Haliburton, with 43 assists and two turnovers in two games.
Comparable to Magic and Stockton, and with the fewest turnovers of the three, Haliburton's performance is commendable. The 23 assists in a single game is not only a new career high for Haliburton, but also equals the Pacers' all-time record. With Haliburton's fiery performance this season, breaking the team's all-time record can be said to be certain.
In NBA history, only 14 players have scored at least 20 points and 20 assists multiple times: Nash, Haliburton and others are both twice, Willow is 7 times, Big O is 8 times, and Stockton is 9 times. Magic Johnson is 13 times, the most all-time leader! Haliburton is not yet 24 years old, and no one knows how many more records he will break in the future.
Pacers coach Carlisle said: "Haliburton's offensive level has surpassed the elite level, and he's done a lot of training over the last two offseasons in terms of reading games and expanding his shooting range. Bulls coach Donovan said: "Haliburton made the right decision at the critical moment, he made it easier for his teammates. ”
So far this season, Haliburton has averaged 24.6 points, 4 rebounds, 12.7 assists, 1 steal, 0.6 blocks and 2.6 turnovers per game, shooting 50.2% from the field, 41.6% from three-point range and 85.2% from the free throw line. Haliburton tops the assists charts, ahead of Trae Young (11.2 assists per game) and Doncic (9.3 assists per game).
In the latest edition of the MVP rankings, Haliburton ranked 8th. Former NBA player Wally Szczebiak had said in 2022 that Haliburton was a "pseudo-All-Star." Seeing Haliburton's performance this season, Szzerbiak formally apologized: "I was wrong! I was not in my right mind, I was very wrong. ”
Haliburton was born on February 29, 2000, with a height of 1.96 meters and an arm span of 2.03 meters. In the 2020 draft, he was selected with the 12th pick in the first round, and that year's top pick was Edwards and Tanhua was a three-ball pick. In the summer of 2023, all three of them signed a big five-year, $260 million contract. Which of the three of them do you think is the most worthwhile?
In his rookie season, Haliburton averaged 13 points, 3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 47.2%, 40.9% and 85.7% from three. In the 2022-23 season, Haliburton averaged 20.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 10.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 49%, 40% and 87.1% from three. His assists and three-point shooting percentage have improved even further this season!
So much foreshadowing, finally let's talk about Haliburton's girlfriend Jade Jones. She was born on January 30, 1998, two years older than Haliburton. From high school to college, Jade Jones has always been a cheerleader. Haliburton fell in love with Jade Jones when he was in college, and he has been in love for several years, and Haliburton is really a winner in life.