The Indiana Pacers humbled the New York Knicks, and Tyrese Haliburton’s dad was the happiest man.
The Pacers, led by star guard Haliburton, made an incredible comeback to win Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks.
Indiana was trailing by 17 points with just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter and down by nine points with only 58 seconds remaining.
Despite the deficit, the Pacers managed to tie the game, thanks partly to Haliburton’s clutch step-back jumper that forced overtime. In the extra period, Indiana outscored New York 13-10, sealing a thrilling 138-135 victory.
Tyrese Halliburton’s dad wildin at the bar after Game 1
(via @pplcallme_Ky) pic.twitter.com/BQ1ydXr66F
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 22, 2025
While Tyrese was making the Knicks gasp for air, his father, John Haliburton, was wilding in the club with a viral celebration. Haliburton Sr. hilariously did the Reggie Miller choke, to replicate his son’s celebration, and the bar went crazy.
Haliburton played a major part in the win, contributing a remarkable 31 points on 12-for-23 shooting and 11 assists. However, it’s worth noting that John was not present at the game due to a suspension from a previous incident. Earlier, he got into an ugly faceoff with Giannis Antetokounmpo during the first round of the playoffs.
Charles Barkley Urges To Allow Tyrese Haliburton’s Dad To Attend The Finals
While it’s all fun to see John Haliburton celebrate his son, Tyrese Haliburton’s team win, he is also a father. And as the Pacers are in the Finals, the basketball community is voicing to pause his suspension and let the man enjoy his son’s games.
Charles Barkley believes that John has served his punishment and should be allowed to attend the upcoming playoff games. After the Pacers’ Game 1 win over the Knicks, Barkley urged NBA commissioner Adam Silver and the Pacers to permit John to return to the games.
“Hey, my man paid his dues. He did something really, really stupid. But he’s been punished. I’m asking you and the Indiana Pacers to let Mr. Haliburton back in the building for Games 3 and 4. Listen, he paid his dues. It shouldn’t be indefinite. He’s been punished enough, he will never do anything that stupid again,” Barkley urged on TNT.
Chuck asks Commissioner Silver to let Tyrese Haliburton’s dad attend games 3 & 4 in Indy pic.twitter.com/VmRWOng87V
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 22, 2025
John, the father of Pacers star Tyrese, has not attended any games since his on-court confrontation with Giannis during the first round of the playoffs.
Following Tyrese’s game-winning shot against the Bucks last month, John reacted by taunting Antetokounmpo. It then led to an emotional exchange between the two.
Though Tyrese criticized his father’s actions, stating that he didn’t think he was right. The day after the incident, John apologized. Additionally, the team announced that he would not attend games in the foreseeable future.
After Game 2, the series will return to Indiana for Games 3 and 4.