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NBA Makes Decision on Punishment for Tyrese Haliburton

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Spencer Ostrow | Last updated May 8, 2025 8:44 PM ET

The NBA will not fine Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton for his celebration after hitting the game-winning three-pointer against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 on Tuesday.

According to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, a "person with knowledge of the matter" spoke anonymously Thursday confirming that Haliburton "received only a warning from the league office."

Immediately after the shot dropped, Haliburton placed his hands below his waist and performed the Sam Cassell celebration—a gesture the league has previously fined players for, calling it "obscene."

Although he expected to be fined, the fifth-year guard felt it was the perfect moment to bring it out.

"I’ve been waiting for that," Haliburton said after Game 2. "I’ve been waiting for that, man. It was just right in the moment. It was right in the moment. Yeah, man, I’ve been waiting for that. I’ll take that fine, gladly."

Tyrese: "I've been waiting for that, man. It was just right in the moment. I'll take that fine gladly" https://t.co/1nzRF1Dn3t pic.twitter.com/VaIf3IQwZv
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) May 7, 2025

Haliburton’s shot came after the Cavaliers held a 119–117 lead with 12.1 seconds remaining. He stepped to the free-throw line, made the first attempt, but missed the second.

Haliburton secured his own rebound, dribbled the ball out near the logo, and waited until the clock ticked down to around three seconds before launching a step-back three.

He drilled the shot, stunning Cleveland with a 120–119 win after Indiana had trailed by as many as 20 points in the third quarter.

The Pacers now hold a 2–0 series lead over the No. 1 seed in the East after stealing both games on the road. Game 3 is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday in Indianapolis, airing on ESPN.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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