Tyrese Haliburton calls Pacers' performance embarrassing amid struggles

In Toronto, Canada, on December 3, 2024, Tyrese Haliburton, a two-time All-Star, expressed his dissatisfaction with the Indiana Pacers’ performance after a 122-111 loss to the Toronto Raptors in an NBA Cup game. This trend of disappointing results has left the Pacers with a 9-13 record overall, significantly worse than their 47-35 finish last season when they reached the Eastern Conference finals. Currently, they are struggling with a road record of 2-10 and have lost seven straight games away from home since their last victory against Dallas on November 4. Haliburton stated that players needed to engage in self-reflection individually and as a group to identify areas for improvement. He recognized his responsibility as the leader of the team and emphasized that it begins with him enhancing his own performance. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle also reflected on the team's difficulties, attributing some of their issues to injuries that had affected their performance and the loss of identity compared to the previous season. He noted how the referees' physical officiating had been challenging for Haliburton as opponents were, in Carlisle's view, trying to disrupt his game and potentially injure him. Haliburton's performance has been less potent this season, averaging significantly fewer points on the road compared to his scoring at home. The Pacers were ranked tenth in the Eastern Conference standings, just above the struggling Detroit Pistons. Carlisle commented on the team's struggles, specifically highlighting their defensive lapses and high turnover rate, noting they turned over the ball 17 times in the first half against the Raptors. Ending their poor performance has become increasingly urgent, particularly as they prepare to play the Brooklyn Nets next. The Pacers’ disappointing start is a stark contrast to the previous year's promising conclusion, when they made strides both in the regular season and in postseason play. They had even made a run to the championship game in the inaugural In-Season Tournament before their recent slump. The current roster is being compared unfavorably to last season, as recent trades, including one for star player Pascal Siakam, have shifted the team's dynamics and effectiveness. Overall, Haliburton and the Pacers now find themselves needing a reality check to salvage their season and return to earlier forms of success, acknowledging the need for urgent collective and individual accountability moving forward.