“Sweep these boyz”: Lil Wayne rallies behind Tyrese Haliburton with fiery message to silence critics ahead of Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Game 2

Tyrese Haliburton may have just taken the first step on basketball’s biggest stage, but the storm of doubt around him is already louder than the cheers. Even with the Indiana Pacers pulling off the impossible this postseason, critics continue to question Haliburton’s star status.

But one voice that’s riding the Haliburton hype wave without hesitation? Lil Wayne. Just days after dropping 'Tha Carter VI', the legendary rapper took to social media with a message that was part pep talk, part poetry—and fully in Haliburton’s corner.

Lil Wayne fires back at Tyrese Haliburton’s critics with a bold message

On Sunday morning, June 8, Lil Wayne shared his thoughts on X, standing up for the 25-year-old Pacers star after Indiana’s razor-thin Game 1 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on June 5. Despite Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch play and Indiana’s 111–110 road win, the doubters haven’t stopped.“Hali u gon have to sweep these boyz to get some real respect from these folks,” Wayne, 42, wrote. “Ya clearly walking on water rn and they act like ya surfing.”Wayne wasn’t done there. His words turned lyrical as he added, “Hang ten dude and make em ride ya wave! Or drown. Ain’t that a beach.”

The message came just hours before Game 2 tipped off at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Sunday night, where the Pacers looked to take a commanding 2–0 series lead in the NBA Finals.

Haliburton, who has been the engine behind Indiana’s wild postseason ride, has grown from All-Star to full-on franchise legend in just a matter of weeks.Still, it hasn’t been enough for some. Haliburton was passed over for the Eastern Conference Finals MVP in favor of teammate Pascal Siakam, and earlier this year, he was even voted the league’s most “overrated” player in an anonymous poll.Yet his resume speaks volumes: clutch buckets, game-winning daggers, and calm leadership in the face of playoff chaos.

Statistically and emotionally, Haliburton has been the pulse of the most resilient team in basketball.Also Read: “A lot closer than people think”: NBA legend Magic Johnson fires off bold warning to Oklahoma City Thunder not to underestimate Indiana Pacers ahead of NBA Finals Game 1Lil Wayne’s public backing isn’t just about one player—it’s about the fight for recognition in a league that doesn’t always reward quiet killers. Haliburton might not scream superstar, but his game does the talking. And if Indiana keeps this run going, those who once doubted him may soon be forced to ride his wave—or drown trying.