The stage is set for what should be a crowd-pleasing NBA In-Season Tournament final. In the Western Conference, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers provide plenty of star power and national recognition, while the Indiana Pacers represent the East as a potentially growing power. This underdog, however, cannot be fully understood without first highlighting Tyrese Haliburton.

Austin Reaves, a Lakers player and fan favorite, did just that after his team defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 133-89, in the playoffs on Thursday night. And he didn’t keep anything back.

“I told {D’Angelo Russell} before the season started that if they’re competing in the East, I think Tyrese has a chance to win an MVP at some point,” Reaves said, per Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet. “The way he plays, the unselfishness, he makes his teammates better.”

Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton is climbing the superstar ladder

Haliburton has led the Pacers (12-8) to a 6-0 record in the In-Season Tournament, and his heroics against the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks have made him a household name. He had a triple-double against the former and 27 points and 15 assists against the latter without committing a single turnover. The 23-year-old has finally arrived after being neglected throughout his basketball career.

That is one of the tournament’s main draws. Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers are getting much-needed attention, which should continue when they host the 2024 All-Star Game in February. Although the MVP award appears to be out of reach for the time being, he can continue to make a strong case by defeating the Lakers on Saturday night and giving the NBA Cup to this success-starved organization.

Austin Reaves, Haliburton’s former Team USA partner, is not to be underestimated in his own way. Off the bench, he supported LeBron James with 17 points, seven assists, and five rebounds against the Pelicans. It will be exciting to witness both of these young stars square off in Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena under the bright lights.