The Return of the Eastern Point Guard: Haliburton and the Pacers – Can They Become the Dark Horse of the East?

In the world of the NBA, it’s often easy to overlook teams that aren’t consistently in the playoff picture or haven’t been historically dominant. However, in a season filled with fierce competition, the Indiana Pacers have quietly emerged as one of the most dangerous teams in the Eastern Conference. While many have focused on the heavyweights like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers, the Pacers have been making a significant push toward the top of the standings. A large part of their resurgence can be attributed to the return to form of Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers' dynamic point guard who has been playing at an elite level in recent months. With the Pacers on an impressive run and Haliburton showing flashes of his former "Eastern Point Guard" glory, could this young squad become the dark horse of the East?

When it comes to discussing the Pacers’ recent victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, which ended with a nail-biting 114-112 scoreline, it’s impossible to ignore Haliburton's pivotal role. With the Cavs sitting comfortably atop the Eastern Conference and resting several key players like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Max Strus, not to mention Jared Allen playing limited minutes, many expected a lopsided contest. Yet, the Cavs’ depth and offensive firepower kept them in the game, even at full strength. Despite the absence of their star players, Cleveland was in control for most of the game, at one point even leading by 11 in the third quarter. However, it was the Pacers’ resilience—and Haliburton's brilliance—that ultimately decided the outcome.

Haliburton finished the game with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 blocks, all in 36 minutes of play. What makes these numbers even more impressive is that he wasn’t in rhythm during the first half, managing just five points. However, in the second half, Haliburton exploded for 18 points, leading his team to a comeback in the final moments of the fourth quarter. With just under four minutes remaining and the Pacers trailing 105-107, Haliburton single-handedly scored 8 consecutive points—two layups and two three-pointers—to give the Pacers a six-point lead. His +15 plus-minus for the game was the highest on the team and highlighted just how essential he was in securing the win. In a game decided by only two points, his impact on both ends of the floor was crucial.

Throughout the early part of the season, Haliburton’s performance had been underwhelming, and his early struggles—coupled with his absence from the All-Star Game—led some to question his potential and label him as overrated. However, as the season progressed, Haliburton began to find his groove once again. By the time the 2025 calendar year began, the Pacers’ point guard was starting to look more like the player who had once been hailed as the "East’s best point guard." While his early struggles were undeniable, he was slowly but surely making his way back into the conversation as one of the NBA’s top young talents.

When you compare Haliburton's performance before and after the new year, the improvement is stark. Before January 2025, in 34 games, Haliburton averaged 17.6 points, 8.6 assists, shooting 43.2% from the field, 34.5% from three, and 85.2% from the free-throw line, with a true shooting percentage of 57.3%. However, after the new year, in 39 games, his numbers jumped to 19.5 points and 9.7 assists per game, with shooting splits of 51.0% from the field, 43.1% from three, and 85.1% from the line. His true shooting percentage skyrocketed to 65.4%. If you narrow it down even further to his performance since the All-Star break, Haliburton’s averages are even more impressive: 20.6 points and 11.0 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 53.3% from the field, 43.9% from three, and a staggering 68.1% true shooting percentage. This improvement in efficiency, combined with his exceptional assist-to-turnover ratio (8.88 assists per turnover), makes him one of the most efficient and productive point guards in the NBA right now.

While Haliburton’s dynamic talent doesn’t lie in explosive athleticism or dazzling first steps, his vision, decision-making, and ability to knock down shots from the perimeter make him a constant threat. His three-point shooting, which was a struggle earlier in the season, has returned to form as well. He is now shooting over 43% from beyond the arc since the new year, and among players who average three or more three-pointers per game, Haliburton ranks as one of the most accurate shooters in the league. This return to form has made him an even more dangerous player, and as his shooting continues to improve, his overall impact on the floor becomes more apparent.

With Haliburton leading the charge, the Pacers have seen a significant uptick in their performance. Since the turn of the year, the Pacers have posted a 33-13 record, ranking fourth in the league during that stretch. Their offensive and defensive efficiencies are both in the top ten in the NBA, which speaks to their well-rounded game. Haliburton’s presence on the floor has been especially impactful: with him on the court, the Pacers score 121.8 points per 100 possessions and outscore their opponents by an average of 8 points per game. Without him, their offense drops to just 110.0 points per 100 possessions, and they only outscore opponents by 2 points per game.

While much of the media focus this season has been on the brutal competition in the Western Conference, the Pacers have quietly risen to fourth place in the East, and they have a real chance to surpass the New York Knicks and secure the third seed. If they can maintain this level of play, they will likely face a first-round matchup against either the Milwaukee Bucks or the Detroit Pistons—two teams that present very different challenges. Regardless of the opponent, the Pacers, with their mix of young talent and veterans, are quietly shaping up to be a formidable force.

Looking ahead, the Pacers have the potential to make a deeper run into the postseason than many might expect. Last year, the Pacers made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, but much of their success was due to the injury struggles faced by the Bucks and the Knicks. This year, however, they have a more complete and healthy roster, with Haliburton playing at an All-Star level once again, and key contributors like Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, and Benedict Mathurin all stepping up. With a more balanced and well-rounded squad, the Pacers could be poised for an even deeper playoff run, potentially making them one of the biggest dark horses in the Eastern Conference.

As the season continues to unfold, the Pacers’ future looks bright. With Tyrese Haliburton back at his best and the team playing its best basketball of the season, they have the potential to surprise a lot of people. Don’t sleep on this Pacers team—they just might be the unexpected contender in the East.