Magic Johnson isn't happy with Pascal Siakam's MVP accolade, as he believes Tyrese Haliburton was the rightful contender
Magic Johnson isn't happy with Pascal Siakam's MVP accolade as he believes Tyrese Haliburton was the rightful contender (Image Source : Getty Images)
Moments after the Pacers closed out the Knicks in Game 6 on May 27, the scene felt like a dream: smiles, embraces, history made. But then came the MVP reveal. A name rang out, yet cameras caught another player frozen, almost expecting it to be his.
The mood quietly shifted. Whispers spread fast. Fans took to their screens. Some cheered, others questioned. Even former greats had thoughts. Behind all the celebration, a quiet doubt lingered: was the wrong player crowned the hero?
Magic Johnson
thinks
Tyrese Haliburton
was the real star of the series
Pascal Siakam was named MVP of the Eastern Conference Final on Monday, May 27, shortly after the Indiana Pacers defeated Game 6 New York Knicks. He received the Larry Bird Trophy. Pascal Siakam performed admirably.
Over six games, he averaged 24.8 points, 5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.3 steals. Three of his games saw him score above thirty points. He was steady and strong in every match.
The vote, though, was quite near. Official results show 5 votes for Pascal Siakam. Tyrese Haliburton received four. Many arguments appeared from that one-vote difference. NBA great Earvin Magic
Johnson
is one of those who spoke out.
Magic Johnson stated on ESPN during an interview on June 2 that Tyrese Haliburton should have received the prize.
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Magic remarked, "You have the NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and, in my opinion, the MVP throughout the Eastern Conference Playoffs is Tyrese Haliburton.' He acknowledged Haliburton's court leadership and playmaking skills.
Many supporters agreed. Tyrese Haliburton was on average 21 points, 6 rebounds, 10.5 assists and 2.5 steals per match. With 32 points, 12 rebounds and 15 assists in game 4 on May 25, he had a big outing, and he did not turn over the ball once.
Magic Johnson isn't happy with Pascal Siakam's MVP accolade as he believes Tyrese Haliburton was the rightful contender (Image Source: Getty Images)
Tyrese Haliburton had a depressed game 5; He scored just 8 points. Some voters could have been impacted by that. Still, his general performance led many others to believe he should have brought home the medal.
Tyrese Haliburton supported Pascal Siakam despite the disappointment
Tyrese Haliburton was next to his teammates on the court right after the game ended. Cameras caught him watching the MVP announcement. Some viewers believed he appeared shocked, perhaps hoping to hear his own name.
Users of social media joked, but Tyrese Haliburton stayed silent on anything negative. The first person to commemorate Pascal Siakam's victory was Haliburton. He clapped for his buddy and joined in the chants for "MVP.'
Tyrese Haliburton later remarked about Siakam with great respect in an interview with The Athletic on May 28. "We had a vision when we brought him here.' It's particularly wonderful that he is here. He said, "He is like a big brother to me; I can trust him, talk to him, and lean on him."
Tyrese Haliburton will have another shot now. Starting Thursday, June 6, the Indiana Pacers will meet the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. Perhaps Haliburton's next honor will come soon if he maintains his current performance.
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