Tyrese Haliburton has truly been the story of the NBA playoffs and is now the story of the NBA Finals. Despite having just 14 points in Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, his final bucket was the game-winner.
Haliburton helped the Pacers erase a 12-point halftime deficit to win the game, draining a two-point shot with 0.3 seconds to play and sealing Game 1 for the Pacers.
For Haliburton’s teammates and family, the moment was the biggest of his NBA career. It was a special moment for his girlfriend as well.
Taking to her social media account after the game, former Iowa State cheerleader Jade Jones proudly declared “3 more!!!!” while including a graphic of the Pacers’ 111-110 final score.
On her Instagram Story, Jones and a friend waved Pacers rally towels while skipping their way out of the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Tyrese Haliburton’s girlfriend celebrates his Game 1 heroics in Pacers’ comeback win to open NBA Finals https://t.co/MvtE9RPixI pic.twitter.com/kjLdehXeYo
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 6, 2025
Jones has been at Haliburton’s side ever since he was drafted out of Iowa State by the Sacramento Kings in 2020. Since moving to Indiana though, Haliburton has emerged as a bonafide superstar, making two All-Star appearances and leading the league in assists in 2024.
Now Haliburton has the Pacers just three wins away from their first NBA title (not counting the three ABA titles they won the 1970s).
Just about everyone has praised Haliburton for the run he’s enjoyed in the playoffs.
“Tyrese Haliburton has not missed a go-ahead shot in the final 30 seconds this postseason,” Polymarket Hoops noted last night.
“Release the names of every player who called Tyrese Haliburton overrated. They deserve to be publicly shamed,” another declared.
Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
“Say what you want man but Tyrese Haliburton can no longer be called overrated…Them NBA players don’t know what they’re talking about.”
“Tyrese Haliburton got me jumping in front of my TV for a team I don’t even root for LMFAO.”
“I’ll say it again: Tyrese Haliburton being voted by his peers as the “most overrated player in the league” is the WORST TAKE IN THE HISTORY OF THE LEAGUE. #NBAFinals,” Jim Rome wrote.
The NBA has a new star on its hands. While it may take a ring for him to be the face of the league, he’s well on his way now.
Related: Tyrese Haliburton’s Girlfriend Has Everyone’s Attention Before Game 1