Fans reacted to Tyrese Haliburton‘s choice of clothing as he wore a hoodie with a picture of Reggie Miller making his famous choking gesture toward Spike Lee in 1994. The Indiana Pacers eliminated the New York Knicks in a 130-109 Game 7 victory on Sunday, advancing to the Eastern Conference finals to play against the Boston Celtics.
Haliburton had a great game against the Knicks as he had 26 points and six assists on 6-for-12 shooting from beyond the arc. The Pacers took advantage of New York’s depleted roster as Jalen Brunson left after fracturing his hand in the third period.
Haliburton and the Pacers revived their rivalry with New York. Indiana has a history of being the antagonist to the Knicks in the playoffs. In the 1995 playoffs, Miller led the team past the Knickerbockers in seven games.
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But it was the season before that when the former league leader in 3-pointers taunted Knicks superfan, Spike Lee. It was Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals when Miller and Lee went back and forth talking trash to each other. The All-Star guard taunted the filmmaker by making a choke sign, which has now become an iconic moment.
Haliburton showed up to the media with his Miller hoodie after Sunday’s game.
Fans went nuts when they saw the hoodie that Hali wore after the game. Here are some of what the fans said.
“Reggie Miller’s adoptive cousin, Tyrese Haliburton. Sarcasm maybe,” one fan said.
“I had no idea the Pacers hated the Knicks like this,” one fan pointed out the rivalry.
“The Knicks dad and grandfather all in one picture,” another fan loved Haliburton’s trolling job.
However, a few fans are already making predictions for the Pacers for the next round.
“All this front running to get swept next round,” a fan said.
“Yeah Get ready to learn ECF sweep buddy. Celtics comin,” one fan wanted to let Haliburton know about the Celtics.
“Bros smiling now. But Boston gonna send them boys home,” another fan is looking forward to the Celtics winning.
Making the playoffs was not a surprise for Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers
Coming into the season, the Pacers set their eyes on being a playoff team. Tyrese Haliburton took on the role of being a team leader on and off the court, leading them on a deep postseason run.
According to Haliburton, the entire team agreed on being a playoff team this season and was focused on performing at their best.
“We knew our expectations was to get to the playoffs. …We had preseason camp in Nashville; just players no coaches,” Haliburton said. “That was what we communicated from the jump, that we expected to be here.”
Now they’ve reached the conference finals for a chance to make it to the NBA Finals and contend for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
