Haliburton reached out to Sue Bird for advice before playoffs

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton picked the brain of WNBA legend Sue Bird to help prepare for this year's NBA playoffs.

In an interview with Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks, the four-time WNBA champion and Hall of Famer confirmed Haliburton reached out before the playoffs seeking advice on when to be a scorer and when to be a facilitator.

"Clearly, he's figured it out," Bird said. "I think my favorite part about watching Tyrese in this run is, yes, the clutch plays, the big moments. But it's been a little up and down at times, and that's the reality.

"I think a lot of times you talk about top players, you talk about All-Stars, and, you know, you see their great play. But it always comes with a bad quarter, a bad game, a bad stretch, and it's really how you respond to that. That's always the differentiator between good players and great players."

Haliburton was able to connect with Bird thanks to Pacers assistant coach Jenny Boucek, who initially put the two in touch a few years ago, according to Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files.

Haliburton put on a historic performance in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, finishing with 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, and no turnovers to lead the Pacers to a 130-121 win and 3-1 series lead.