Tyrese Haliburton's masked look draws 4-word reaction from girlfriend Jade Jones
Tyrese Haliburton wore a clear protective mask during the shootaround ahead of the Indiana Pacers' game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Haliburton was elbowed to the face in their previous game versus the New Orleans Pelicans. His girlfriend, Jade Jones, dropped a four-word reaction to his new look on Instagram.
In an Instagram post, the Pacers shared a couple of images and reels showing their franchise player wearing a mask. Haliburton is not on the team's injury report but will wear a mask as a precaution after getting hit by an errant elbow to the nose in their previous game versus the New Orleans Pelicans.
"Masked @tyresehaliburton loading," the caption read.
Tyrese Haliburton's girlfriend, Jade Jones, was one of many who commented on the Indiana Pacers' Instagram post. Jones has been very supportive of Haliburton since they started dating back when they were still at Iowa State.
"Mask gonna go crazy," Jones wrote.
Tyrese Haliburton came out of his slump in win over Pelicans
It has been a rough start to the season for Tyrese Haliburton, who fans and analysts have criticized for his performances. The Indiana Pacers have struggled for consistency, and some blamed the team's best player for it. Haliburton is averaging 16.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
Those are still good numbers but are down from what he produced last season. Granted he's coming off hamstring issues last season and during the Olympics, he lacked aggressiveness and confidence on the court.
All that changed Monday night in the Pacers' 114-110 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Haliburton dropped 34 points, three rebounds, 13 assists and three steals, hitting nine 3-point shots. Indiana improved to 8-10 for the season, extending the winning streak to two.
Tyrese Haliburton comments on his early season struggles, offers possible explanation
Speaking to reporters after the Indiana Pacers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, Tyrese Haliburton opened up about his struggles this season. Haliburton can't explain what is happening, but it's all about working through it and trying to find the joy in playing basketball.
"What I have to do is keep my joy for the game of basketball," Haliburton said, according to the IndyStar. "Everybody wants to say, 'Be happy, have fun.' Well, that's hard to do when you're not playing well or you're losing, but I think it's differentiating the difference between happiness and joy. I've always had a joy for the game of basketball and a love and appreciation for what I do in this game my whole life. I think I just got caught in getting frustrated with myself and this kinda creeping into, like, job territory and that weighing on me."
Haliburton has been one of the best point guards in the NBA in the past two seasons. He also suffered a couple of hamstring injuries last season, which may or may not have affected his confidence.