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Damian Lillard Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Damian Lillard has a message for Tyrese Haliburton after in-season tournament loss

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 12/8/23

Damian Lillard wasn't offended by Tyrese Haliburton mocking his "Dame Time" celebration. He understands that it's part of the game and can be seen as a sign of respect. However, Lillard was quick to stress the importance of being humble. He noted how you never know when the tables are going to turn.

"I learned as a kid, when you dish it out, you gotta be willing to take it," Lillard said. "For as many times as I've done it to people, I can't be upset when someone else does it. I think it's a sign of respect and acknowledgment for knowing my history and knowing what I do...I've also known that when you have your moment, it's important to be careful and be humble when you're having your moments. You just never know how the tables turn and when they gonna turn. I respected it."

Damian Lillard after the loss to Indiana: "It's important to be careful and to be humble when you're having your moments because you just never know how the tables turn and when they gonna turn." pic.twitter.com/TwkQwjXgeA
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) December 8, 2023

Haliburton is one of the season's breakout stars. His mix of playmaking and high-level shot-making has made him a fan favorite around the NBA. As one of the younger players in the league, he isn't afraid to show emotion or to celebrate his team's success. Perhaps that's part of the Indiana Pacers' charm. You see how much this tournament means to the roster with how they're conducting themselves on the sidelines.

Still, Haliburton would be wise to heed Lillard's advice. Yes, the Pacers are on fire right now. They're defying expectations and looking years ahead of their rebuild. Tougher times will inevitably be on the horizon, though. Young teams tend to plateau before taking their next leap. It's part of the inevitable development process. Players around the league will remember how Haliburton has conducted himself to begin the season and will look to give him a taste of his own medicine.

However, for fans, the Pacers have become the Cinderella team of the in-season tournament. Their willingness to celebrate each other's success, high-paced offense, and in-your-face personality have swept the league by storm. Indiana has a team they can be proud of again. There's no time for humbleness when you're one win away from being crowned as the in-season tournament champions. It's that edge that has gotten them this far and seen Haliburton become one of the best guards in the NBA.

Age will humble Haliburton and his Pacers teammates, not advice from a player they just defeated. So, for now, let's enjoy the ride.

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