Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show Episode: Stephen A's Take: Stephen A comments on the play of the Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton
Release Date: June 11, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves deep into the NBA Finals, focusing specifically on the Indiana Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton and his pivotal role in the series. Alongside analyst discussions, Stephen A. provides critical insights into the ongoing games, player performances, and the strategic dynamics between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Game One Recap and Analysis

Stephen A. Smith begins by recapping the dramatic shift in the series dynamics:

"The series shifts to India and the Pacers holding home court advantage after stealing Game one from the Thunder on the road, Oklahoma City bounced back with an emphatic Game two win on Sunday night to even the series. It's not over."
(02:41)

He commends Indiana for their unexpected resilience:

"I never anticipated that they would win game one the way that they did. To be down 15, to come back, to be down 15 with over nine minutes left and to come back and to win that game. Got to give a lot of credit that particular game."
(02:50)

Tyrese Haliburton’s Performance

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Tyrese Haliburton and his standout performance in Game One:

"This brother, Tyrese Haliburton in 15 seconds or left in regulation or overtime, okay, this Brother has gone 5 for 5 from the field while the rest of the NBA in the postseason has gone 4 of 26."
(03:15)

Stephen A. emphasizes Haliburton's clutch ability:

"You can't say enough about that from Tyrese Haliburton and his performance in Game one, meaning that big time shot."
(03:20)

Comparative Analysis with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The conversation shifts to comparing Haliburton with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, highlighting Haliburton's current standing:

"I said, no, he's not a superstar. Not there yet. The brother can play. He's not overrated. He's not a scrub, but he's not a superstar. That would be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander."
(03:40)

Stephen A. outlines Gilgeous-Alexander’s superior performance:

"Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the star, a superstar, but he plays the same position as Tyrese Haliburton. They're damn near the same height, for crying out loud."
(04:05)

He critiques Haliburton's need to elevate his game:

"Halliburton's got to do more. ... you score 12 points in the fourth quarter. When a game is out of reach, that ain't good enough. So Halliburton's got to do more."
(04:25)

Defensive Strengths of Oklahoma City

The episode also highlights Oklahoma City Thunder's defensive prowess, which poses significant challenges to the Pacers:

"This defense is elite. Lou Dort is an elite defender. Alex Caruso is an elite defender. Kayson Wallace can defend. And then when you take into account that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams also do defend as well."
(04:35)

Stephen A. underscores the depth of Oklahoma City's defense:

"Only two players did that this year, Evan Mobley and Jalen Williams. So there's no drop off with OKC."
(05:00)

Game Three Implications

Looking ahead, the discussion pivots to the critical Game Three and its implications for the series:

"Game three is pivotal for them. They must at least split or it's over in five."
(04:59)

Analyzing Indiana's prospects, Stephen A. posits:

"Indiana can score and because they can score, who knows how interesting they may make this? Oklahoma City is clearly the better team. That does not mean Indiana can't win."
(05:35)

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In closing, Stephen A. reiterates his support for Oklahoma City but acknowledges Indiana's potential to turn the series:

"I'm still with OKC in six, but Indiana better win one of these games or it ain't going six."
(05:50)

Notable Quotes

• Stephen A. Smith on Haliburton’s Clutch Performance:

  "This Brother has gone 5 for 5 from the field while the rest of the NBA in the postseason has gone 4 of 26."
  (03:15)

• On Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Superiority:

  "Not there yet. The brother can play. He's not overrated. He's not a scrub, but he's not a superstar. That would be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander."
  (03:40)

• Regarding Oklahoma City's Defense:

  "This defense is elite. Lou Dort is an elite defender. Alex Caruso is an elite defender. Kayson Wallace can defend."
  (04:35)

• On the Importance of Game Three:

  "Game three is pivotal for them. They must at least split or it's over in five."
  (04:59)

Final Remarks

Stephen A. Smith provides a comprehensive analysis of the NBA Finals, spotlighting Tyrese Haliburton's impressive yet not yet superstar status, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominance, and the formidable defense of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The episode offers valuable insights for fans and followers of the series, emphasizing the critical nature of upcoming games and the strategic elements that could determine the championship outcome.

This summary captures the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a detailed overview for those who have not listened to the podcast.