Tyrese Haliburton Calls Out Dad for Postgame Drama After Pacers Defeat Bucks: What Happened?

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton was buzzing after Indiana’s thrilling overtime win, but he was unaware of the scuffle that broke out afterward. It wasn’t until he got to the locker room and saw the replay that he noticed his father, John Haliburton, confronting Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP of the Milwaukee Bucks.

“I didn’t know it happened until I saw the video later,” Haliburton said after his game-winning layup sealed a 119-118 victory for the Pacers. “We had a quick talk about it. Basketball should stay on the court. My dad just got caught up in the moment.”

Antetokounmpo was not happy either. His team had lost a seven-point lead late in the game, marking their third straight first-round playoff exit. He mistook John Haliburton for a fan running onto the court.

While Antetokounmpo respects Haliburton as a competitor, he felt John’s actions were out of line. “Holding up a towel with his son’s face and yelling was disrespectful,” said Antetokounmpo, who recorded an impressive 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 13 assists during the game.

Haliburton expressed regret over the incident and intends to reach out to Antetokounmpo. “I think my dad was wrong. It’s unfortunate, but it’s all part of the competition,” he said.

Adding some historical context, the rivalry between the Pacers and Bucks has intensified over the last two seasons. They have faced off 20 times, with the Pacers emerging victorious in both recent playoff series. This growing rivalry is underscored by the emotional stakes involved in each matchup.

Interestingly, Antetokounmpo shared a memory from the Bucks’ championship run in 2020-21, highlighting how his mother attended every game. He mentioned that family members usually don’t sit courtside, reflecting just how special that time was for him.

In summary, while excitement runs high in competitive sports, the fine line between passion and respect is often tested. As the Pacers and Bucks continue their rivalry, both teams will need to navigate the emotional currents of their fierce competition. For more updates on the NBA, check out AP’s comprehensive coverage at AP NBA.

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Tyrese Haliburton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, John Haliburton, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, NBA, IN State Wire, WI State Wire, Sports, NBA basketball, Basketball