May 23, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Shaquille O'Neal looks on before game four between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

NBA Legend Shaquille O'Neal Apologized To Pacers Star Tyrese Haliburton

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated May 24, 2025 8:37 PM ET

On Friday night, the Indiana Pacers stunned the NBA world when they took a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals over the New York Knicks.

The Pacers won Game 2 (at Madison Square Garden) by a score of 114-109.

Via ESPN's Tim Bontemps: "Final: Pacers 114, Knicks 109

For a second straight series, the Pacers take a 2-0 lead on the road to begin a series.

And the Knicks, after blowing a 17-point fourth quarter lead in Game 1, didn’t have quite enough to come back in this one, and are on life support now."

Final: Pacers 114, Knicks 109

For a second straight series, the Pacers take a 2-0 lead on the road to begin a series.

And the Knicks, after blowing a 17-point fourth quarter lead in Game 1, didn’t have quite enough to come back in this one, and are on life support now.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 24, 2025

After the game, the NBA on TNT interviewed Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton.

Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal apologized to Haliburton.

O'Neal: "Tyrese, Shaq here. I owe you an apology. During the interview with Reggie it looked a little bit too much giggling for me. I was like, I want these guys to be serious and you guys were serious."

Haliburton finished the Game 2 victory with 14 points, eight rebounds, 11 assists and two steals while shooting 5/16 from the field and 3/10 from the three-point range in 35 minutes of playing time.

Via StatMuse: "Tyrese Haliburton has as many playoff wins (18) in his last 2 years as Sacramento Kings have in their last 22 years."

Tyrese Haliburton has as many playoff wins (18) in his last 2 years as Sacramento Kings have in their last 22 years. pic.twitter.com/Oe80HW2DlY
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 24, 2025