Tyrese Haliburton is hoping to be a big reason why the Indiana Pacers get back to being a contender in the Eastern Conference, and the Jan. 30, 2024 matchup on the road against the Boston Celtics is a game that he has circled, as it will be his first appearance on TNT, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.
“It's also my girl's birthday, that's why I know it,” Tyrese Haliburton said, via Windhorst. “But, yeah, that's the night.”
Overhearing the conversation, Brooklyn Nets star and Team USA teammate Mikal Bridges was surprised to hear that Haliburton has never played on TNT throughout his career with the Sacramento Kings and Pacers.
“You knew that, bro,” Haliburton responded to Mikal Bridges, according to Windhorst.
Haliburton has not gotten much exposure on national television, saying he has only appeared on ESPN one time, when the Pacers beat the Washington Wizards last October, according to Windhorst.
However, Haliburton knows what it will take for him to get more exposure in the national spotlight.
“You have to win to get on TV and that's what we need to do,” Haliburton said, via Windhorst. “It won't change either. When we win in Indiana, we'll get three national games.”
The Pacers have made Haliburton the centerpiece of their team, so it will be interesting to see how he responds to playing on TNT in a hostile environment like Boston. It will be a big test for the Pacers against a Celtics team that figures to be a contender in the Eastern Conference once again.