Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton delivered for his team yet again. With a clutch performance to lead the Pacers to a 138-135 win in OT of Game 1 against the New York Knicks, Indiana now enjoys a 1-0 lead in the ECF.
Like most fans, Haliburton’s dad, John Haliburton, was also seen celebrating the win, as a video of him dancing in a bar went viral on social media.
Tyrese Halliburton’s dad wildin at the bar after Game 1 ðŸ˜
(via @pplcallme_Ky) pic.twitter.com/BQ1ydXr66F
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 22, 2025
The clip quickly went viral, not just for the feel-good moment, but because it came with some backstory.
John Haliburton was notably absent from MSG after being involved in a brief courtside confrontation with Giannis Antetokounmpo when the Pacers beat the Bucks in the first round. This eventually resulted in Haliburton’s father being banned from future games.
As a result, he was forced to sit this game out. But clearly, that didn’t stop him from finding a way to support his son and enjoy a dramatic Game 1 win with the rest of Indiana. Waving the same towel featuring his son’s face as he did in front of Antetokounmpo, Haliburton’s father had every reason to be proud.
The Pacers, led by Haliburton’s 31 points and 11 assists, outlasted a gritty Knicks team in what can be labeled a playoff classic. Another clutch performer for the game was Aaron Nesmith, who came up with 30 points on the night, including some phenomenal three-point shooting in the final frame.
Nesmith’s barrage from beyond the arc allowed Indiana to remain within punching distance in the closing moments of the game. And with the ball in his hands, Haliburton gave the crowd another moment of pure magic.
The rest of the Pacers’ starting lineup also made significant contributions to the game. With Pascal Siakam‘s 17 points providing some relief as well, it is safe to say that Indiana became the embodiment of excellence on Wednesday night.
Haliburton’s brilliance, given the circumstances, also led NBA legend Charles Barkley to request NBA commissioner Adam Silver to allow Haliburton’s father to attend Games 3 and 4 in Indiana.
For New York, Jalen Brunson continued his red-hot postseason form with 43 points and 5 assists, but his seven turnovers for the game certainly proved to be costly. Meanwhile, the 35-point contribution by Karl-Anthony Towns was also worth taking note of.
Unfortunately for the Knicks, the Pacers simply caught the Knicks off guard and capitalized on the momentum built up by Nesmith and Haliburton.
The win puts the Pacers up 1-0 in the series and steals home-court advantage, a major statement for a team enjoying its first ECF win since 2014.
Game 2 is set for Friday night, May 23, at 8:00 pm ET, again at Madison Square Garden. For the Knicks, it’s a must-win to avoid heading to Indiana down 0-2. For the Pacers, it’s an opportunity to tighten their grip on the series and take full control before heading back to Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
If Haliburton plays anything like he did in Game 1, and if his dad keeps bringing the energy from afar, Indiana might just be dancing to the Finals.
