Tyrese Haliburton Shines with Triple-Double in Game 4 During Special Homecoming for Dad

INDIANAPOLIS — A Night to Remember for Tyrese Haliburton

Tyrese Haliburton had an unforgettable game in the 2025 playoffs, marking one of his best performances ever. He scored 32 points and achieved a triple-double, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 130-121 victory over the New York Knicks. This standout performance took place on a special night: his father, John Haliburton, was back in attendance.

After a temporary ban, the Pacers welcomed John to the arena, and his son’s greatness shined through. Tyrese expressed his excitement about his dad’s presence, saying, “Hell yeah, it had something to do with it.” However, he played it cool, later noting he wasn’t overwhelmed by the emotions of the moment.

This triple-double was historic. Tyrese recorded 12 rebounds and 15 assists with zero turnovers—an achievement unmatched in NBA playoff history. Only two players have also reached over 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists in a playoff game: Oscar Robertson and Nikola Jokić. But Tyrese’s absence of turnovers and impressive three-point shooting made his night even more special.

By halftime, Haliburton already had 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists. Indiana’s coach, Rick Carlisle, acknowledged the importance of the win and emphasized the team’s focus on the next game. His words reflect a common mindset among teams at this stage in the playoffs: staying grounded despite personal achievements.

The game wasn’t just about Haliburton. Other Pacers stepped up too—Pascal Siakam scored 30 points, and Bennedict Mathurin added 20. The Knicks fought back, led by Jalen Brunson’s 29 points, but ultimately fell short against the Pacers’ strong finish.

The evening was full of surprises. During the game, former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee entertained the crowd by introducing celebrity Knicks fans like Spike Lee and Timothée Chalamet, drawing loud boos from the Indiana audience. McAfee’s bold comments added spice to an already tense matchup.

John Haliburton’s return came after a brief ban following an incident earlier in the playoffs. He had taunted Giannis Antetokounmpo during an earlier game, resulting in temporary exclusion from following Pacers games. The team and fans seemed relieved to have him back, recognizing the father-son bond that motivates Tyler.

During a post-game press conference, Tyrese downplayed any emotional lift from his father’s attendance while still appreciating it. Growing up, Tyrese noted how often his dad missed his games due to work—something he always wanted to improve for his father’s rare appearances.

Myles Turner, a teammate, expressed the significance of family relationships in sports. He emphasized how special it is to share such milestones with loved ones, adding depth to the team’s chemistry.

This win places the Pacers one game away from the NBA Finals. It’s a moment to celebrate, but also a reminder of the journey still ahead. The bond between Tyrese and his dad is just one part of a larger narrative that’s unfolding in this exciting playoff season.

For those interested in the current NBA playoff stats and historical data, the NBA provides extensive resources to explore further: NBA Stats.

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Indiana Pacers, NBA