Tyrese Haliburton Honors Reggie Miller with ‘Choking’ Sweatshirt After Game 7 Victory
Tyrese Haliburton marked the Indiana Pacers’ 130-109 Game 7 victory against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden by donning a sweatshirt displaying Reggie Miller’s well-known choking gesture.
The Knicks began the second-round series leading 2-0, but the Pacers fought back and secured a spot in the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2014. After scoring 26 points and making 10 of 17 shots, including 6 of 12 three-pointers, Haliburton wanted to speak out.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Postgame Comments
The sweatshirt he had on is connected to a memorable moment in the famous Pacers-Knicks rivalry when Miller scored 25 points in the fourth quarter of Game 5 in New York to give the Pacers a 3-2 lead in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals. During the postgame press conference, Tyrese Haliburton mentioned he had received the hoodie two days prior and chose not to explain its significance when questioned.
Tyrese Haliburton on his Reggie Miller hoodie he wore at his Game 7 press conference:
“I’m just wearing a hoodie. I’d like to be comfy on the plane. I got this hoodie 2 days ago. Appreciate whoever gave it to me” pic.twitter.com/8kuxDt4Oj1
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 20, 2024
We communicate through texting on a daily basis. Tyrese Haliburton expressed that he had been a beneficial mentor for him. “I’m only in a hoodie, I prefer comfort when flying.”
Naturally, Miller wasted no time in commenting on his old team’s win. Following the game, he took to Instagram and posted a video of Josh Hart from the Knicks making a sly remark towards him in Game 2. Miller stated that this was the point at which the series shifted its momentum. He also advised Knicks player Jalen Brunson, who left the game early due to a fractured hand, and his teammates to relax and recover on Cancun’s stunning beaches.
Tyrese Haliburton’s performance was impressive, yet the Pacers collectively contributed to their success by making 29 out of 38 shot attempts in the first half. The shooting percentage of 76.3% is the best in a single half during the playoffs since 1997.
Tyrese Haliburton scored 26 points as the Pacers beat the Knicks 130-109 and advanced to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in a decade. The Pacers’ record-breaking first-half shooting led by 76.3% set the tone for the… https://t.co/33tIZrdzYf
— NBA Digest (@nba_digest) May 19, 2024
“I was aware that today is Game 7, so let’s go all out,” Tyrese Haliburton stated. “Do not have any regrets, as I would strongly dislike being angry all summer for not taking the shot today.” To me, it was all about revealing myself and performing correctly.
The Pacers won’t have much time to savor their victory because they have a fast turnaround. Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics is scheduled for Tuesday when they will be playing.