Tyrese Haliburton has been the brightest star of the NBA in-season tournament thus far. The Indiana Pacers guard certainly outshined one of his superstar peers in his team’s semifinal win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Pacers beat the Bucks Thursday in a 128-119 win at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.
Haliburton had himself a monster night with 27 points and 15 assists — including the biggest shot of the night.
The Pacers were up 119-114 with about a minute to go. Haliburton missed a three-pointer, got his own rebound and then launched another one that swished through the net.
Haliburton pimped his dagger triple by stealing Damian Lillard’s signature “Dame Time” celebration. The former Portland Trail Blazers guard would famously tap an imaginary watch on his wrist after making a clutch shot. Haliburton put his own spin on the gesture.
“I know what time it is,” said Haliburton after staring at his own imaginary watch.
Haliburton was asked about the gesture after the game.
“I think it was just something in the heat of the moment,” Haliburton said. “I kind of pounded my chest and said, ‘it’s my time,’ but I think really looking at it, it’s our time. It’s our time as a group. We’re playing the right way and shocking the world.”
It’s not the first time this season that Haliburton went viral for his celebratory antics. It probably won’t be the last.
Haliburton averaged 26.9 points and 11.9 assists across 17 games entering Thursday’s matchup against the Bucks. The Pacers will face off against either the Los Angeles Lakers or New Orleans Pelicans in the first ever NBA in-season tournament championship.
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