Instead, a series of injuries have severely thinned the Pacers once-deep roster, Haliburton's shots stopped falling, the losses piled up and suddenly the straight-talking guy who inspired so many with his beaming, trademark smile didn't look or sound like himself.

What occurred for Haliburton to rise from his slumber? Despite earning All-NBA honors last season, the Pacers point guard averages a measly 16 points on 39 percent from the field

Tyrese Haliburton hit nine 3-pointers in a 34-point, 13-assist effort in the Pacers win over the Pelicans Monday, a sign he's breaking through.