Tyrese Haliburton has recently captured the spotlight—not just for his game-changing performance but for an intriguing quirk in his demeanor that’s become a talking point among NBA fans. During Game 1 of the NBA Finals, he pulled off a stunning 21-foot jumper with only 0.3 seconds remaining, leading the Indiana Pacers to a nail-biting 111-110 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. This was especially impressive, considering the Pacers had been trailing by 15 points in the fourth quarter before making a remarkable comeback.
After the game, Haliburton sat down for an interview with Scott Van Pelt, where the basketball world’s fascination with his sudden voice change took center stage. As he spoke, fans noticed an unexpected shift in the tone of his voice—sometimes higher, sometimes lower—that left social media buzzing.
People on Twitter quickly shared their reactions, some humorously suggesting that his voice change gave off “demonic” vibes. One fan joked, “It’s the devil tryna come out fam,” while another playfully compared his situation to scenes from horror films like “The Conjuring.” The references were all in good fun, but they highlighted how connected fans feel to the players they cheer for. After all, Haliburton isn’t just a sports figure; he’s someone they feel they know on a personal level through every win, loss, and quirky moment.
Interestingly, Haliburton himself has acknowledged this odd phenomenon before. On the Pat McAfee Show, he laughed off comments about his fluctuating voice, admitting that he often finds himself surprised when he listens back to his interviews. “I watch podcasts and I’m like, ‘Wow, my voice really did change!’” It seems he’s as baffled as everyone else!
The comments from fans are as varied as they are amusing. Some noted that with multiple game-winners under his belt in the postseason, he definitely earned the right to be a little quirky. Others speculated about the reason behind his voice fluctuations—everything from a “nervous tick” to an old injury affecting his vocal pathways. Amidst the laughter and odd theories, Haliburton’s charm shines through, portraying him as relatable and down-to-earth, further endearing him to fans.
Haliburton’s recognition as a player was also underscored during the interview when Van Pelt confessed to being “late to the party” in appreciating his talents and those of the Pacers. Haliburton graciously acknowledged this, a testimony to the kind of humility that resonates with fans and solidifies his place not just as a player, but as a person who genuinely values recognition for the hard work he puts in.
With 14 points scored in this pivotal game, Haliburton is gearing up for Game 2 against OKC on Sunday night, and the basketball community watches with bated breath. It will be exciting to see not just how he plays but how he continues to navigate the wave of fan engagement that surrounds him. It reminds us that in the world of sports, every player has stories beyond the stats, allowing us to connect with them on more than just a scoreboard level.
Image Source: Tyrese Haliburton @ Instagram
