Tyrese Haliburton can expect a response from the NBA after perhaps the biggest shot of his life, and he is perfectly fine with that.
The Indiana Pacers guard stunned the Cleveland Cavaliers and the rest of the league Tuesday with a four-point possession that culminated in a 3-pointer to give the Indiana Pacers the lead. The Pacers now lead 2-0 in their Eastern Conference semifinals series.
You will notice in the video above that Haliburton moves off-frame for a few moments, as the Cavaliers collect themselves for one last desperation shot. Subsequent replay showed Haliburton to be enjoying himself, Sam Cassell-style.
Sam Cassell approved pic.twitter.com/WHG4phdGgx
— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) May 7, 2025
Few celebrations are as well-known as Cassell’s infamous big-balls dance, which itself originates from the movie “Major League II.” Of course, the celebration isn’t exactly family friendly, and the NBA has an established history of fining players who use it.
Haliburton’s gesture definitely qualifies. When asked about the upcoming fine after the game, he indicated he had been waiting to use it for a long time and was ready for the fine.
Haliburton on his celebration: “I’ve been waiting for that, man. It was just right in the moment.
“I’ll take that fine gladly.”
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) May 7, 2025
Haliburton finished his availability by taking another shot at an NBA players poll in which he was the most common answer for the most overrated player in the league. The Cleveland crowd poked that bear during Tuesday’s game with an overrated chant, to the displeasure of Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell.
As he did after burying the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, Haliburton had two words: “Overrate that.”
Tyrese Haliburton on overrated chants: “That one was unexpected. I didn’t know we had beef. I think now that that label is there, it’s going to be that every time we play somebody on the road. It’ll probably follow me until the next poll comes out. Overrate that.” pic.twitter.com/p9lANoW3qw
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 7, 2025
Odds are Haliburton won’t rank as high in the poll next year, especially if the Pacers finish off the Cavs for a giant upset for their second trip to the Eastern Conference finals in three years.
Game 3 is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET Friday in Indianapolis.
