Charles Barkley warns Tyrese Haliburton-led Pacers after taking 3-1 lead

Charles Barkley watched Tyrese Haliburton’s Indiana Pacers beat up the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 on Sunday. The Pacers led 80-39 at halftime before comfortably cruising to a 129-109 win. Indiana could return to the Eastern Conference finals with another win in Cleveland on Tuesday.

Barkley had this to say about the Pacers after the game:

“If [Cavaliers] can win that game, Game 6, Indiana is gonna be feeling the heat.”

The win on Sunday gave the Pacers a 3-1 series lead. Still, Barkley is convinced, Game 5 in Cleveland is a must-win showdown for Tyrese Haliburton and Co. The Hall of Famer is convinced the Pacers are not getting another victory in Cleveland in a potential Game 7.

The Haliburton-led team has to be confident heading into Game 5 after winning the first two games at the Rocket Arena in Cleveland. If Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell, who did not play in the second half due to an ankle injury, is unavailable, the Pacers could wrap up the series in two days.

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Tyrese Haliburton set the tone for the Cavaliers in Game 5

Tyrese Haliburton arguably had his worst game in the playoffs in Game 4 on Friday. The point guard tallied four points, five assists and three turnovers in the Indiana Pacers’ 126-104 loss. After the game, Haliburton promised to do better for Game 5.

The former Sacramento Kings star delivered with six points, four rebounds and two assists in 12 minutes in the opening quarter. Behind his playmaking, he helped the Pacers to a 38-23 lead. Haliburton got his teammates going early by efficiently running Rick Carlisle’s offense.

The Pacers were even deadlier on both ends in the second quarter. They erupted for 42 points and shackled the Cavaliers to 16. Haliburton was again a difference maker during the period. He sat out the first five minutes before returning to guide his team. The playmaker promptly delivered a pass that resulted in a Myles Turner dunk.

Tyrese Haliburton repeatedly found Turner, who had the hot hand in the second frame. Turner’s 27-footer off a Haliburton dime increased Indiana’s lead to 68-37. The former All-Star added to Cleveland’s woes by making a free-throw before nailing a 30-footer that had the home fans in a frenzy.

Rick Carlisle kept Haliburton out in the fourth quarter. The coach wants his team leader ready for what could be a series-clinching win in Cleveland on Tuesday.