Breaking News: Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton condemns his father’s heated exchange with Giannis Antetokounmpo post-game; Bucks star responds to disrespect after historic triple-double,"You know, as far as the incident between Giannis and my pops, I had no idea it happened until I got to the back and was showed the video," Haliburton said, after leading the Pacers to eliminate the Bucks in Game 5. Haliburton distanced himself from his father’s actions, stating, "I don’t agree with what transpired there from him. Basketball is basketball, and let’s keep it on the court." Antetokounmpo, who dropped a staggering 30 points, 20 rebounds, 13 assists, and 2 blocks, called the encounter "totally disrespectful," adding, "Coming to me and disrespecting me and cursing at me is totally disrespectful." Haliburton Sr. later issued a public apology.
H2. Haliburton’s Dad Makes Headlines, Antetokounmpo Unhappy: A Postseason Feud Spills Over
H3. ‘I Don’t Agree with It’: Tyrese Haliburton Speaks Out
In a twist to the Indiana Pacers’ Game 5 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, it wasn’t Haliburton’s game-winning layup that stole the spotlight, but an altercation involving his father, John. The younger Haliburton distanced himself from his dad’s actions, telling Nick Meyer of Athlon Sports, "I don’t agree with what transpired there… Basketball is basketball, and let’s keep it on the court."
H3. The Altercation: A Closer Look
Fresh off his son’s overtime buzzer-beater, John Haliburton left his seat, carrying a towel, and walked onto the court. He approached Giannis Antetokounmpo, starring him down and exchanging words before Pat Connaughton intervened. Antetokounmpo later found John in the crowd, with the pair exchanging heated words again before security stepped in.
H3. Giannis: ‘I’m Happy He’s Happy for His Son’
Antetokounmpo addressed the incident in his postgame press conference, expressing frustration with the disrespect shown towards him. "I’m happy for him, and I’m happy for his son, and I’m happy he’s happy for his son. But coming to me and disrespecting me and cursing at me is totally disrespectful."
H3. Haliburton Senior Issues an Apology
John Haliburton later apologized on X, stating, "I sincerely apologize to Giannis, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Pacers organization for my actions… This was not a good reflection on our sport or my son and I will not make that mistake again."
Did you know? This is the second consecutive postseason the Pacers have eliminated the Bucks in the first round. Last year, it was Malcolm Brodgdon‘s 3-pointer that decided the series.
H2. NBA’s Rising Stars: Haliburton and Mathurin Shine
Beyond the off-court drama, the Pacers’ victory was sealed by the performances of their guards. Tyrese Haliburton finished with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Bennedict Mathurin added 31 points and 6 rebounds.
Antetokounmpo, despite the loss, put up a monster stat line: 30 points, 20 rebounds, 13 assists, and 2 blocks.
H2. What’s Next?
With the series decided, attention turns to the next round. The Pacers will face either the Boston Celtics or the Atlanta Hawks. The Bucks, meanwhile, head into the offseason with much to ponder, including Giannis’ future with the team.
FAQ
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Q: What’s next for Giannis Antetokounmpo?
A: Giannis’ contract is up next season. His future with the Bucks could depend on how they approach the offseason and free agency. - Q: Can the Pacers maintain their playoff momentum?
A: With their young talent growing, the Pacers look poised to make a deeper playoff run. However, they’ll face tougher competition in the next round.
Pro tip: Want a piece of NBA history? The Pacers-Bucks rivalry is heating up. Keep an eye on these two teams in the coming seasons.
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