If you've been following the NBA playoffs and heard opposing crowds chant “Overrated!” at Tyrese Haliburton, you might be wondering what it’s all about — and more importantly, why his answer has fans talking.
Let’s break it down.
Why fans are chanting “Overrated” at Haliburton
Earlier this year, Haliburton was voted the most overrated player in the league by an anonymous player poll — a label that stuck despite his All-Star status, leadership in Indiana’s deep playoff runs, and standout performances in the In-Season Tournament.
That poll made waves, and opposing fanbases wasted no time turning it into fuel. So when Haliburton stepped to the line in Game 2 of the second-round playoff series in Cleveland, Cavaliers fans jumped on the opportunity — chanting “Overrated” loudly before halftime with their team up double digits.
But here’s where it gets interesting.
Donovan Mitchell shut it down — and Haliburton made them pay
Cavs star Donovan Mitchell quickly motioned for the crowd to stop the chants — a classy move that may have also been a strategic one. Whether Mitchell sensed what was coming or not, the fans didn’t stop the momentum swing.
Trailing by 20 points earlier in the game, Haliburton led a furious fourth-quarter comeback. After missing a free throw in the final seconds, he chased down his own rebound, reset beyond the arc, and calmly drilled a step-back three with one second left on the clock. Pacers win. Crowd silenced. Series 2-0 heading back to Indiana.
And in his postgame press conference, Haliburton delivered the line that’s already becoming a rallying cry:
“Overrate that.”
The meaning behind “Overrate That”
Haliburton’s response wasn’t just a quip — it was a message. From being dismissed as a fluke after the In-Season Tournament, to seeing his playoff wins minimized, to being called overrated by his peers, Haliburton has had his game picked apart. Rather than lash out, he’s responded with clutch plays and memorable moments.
“Overrate that” is how he flipped the script — a sarcastic, confident clapback that speaks louder than any poll ever could.
What’s next?
Now with a commanding 2-0 lead, Indiana is in position to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year. And Haliburton — once called overrated — is playing like anything but.
So the next time you hear “Overrated” chants ring out when Haliburton has the ball, just know: it might be the last thing the home team wants to do.
Because if Tyrese Haliburton hears it… he just might turn it into his next headline