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NBA Trash Talk: Haliburton And Watford’s Hilarious Exchange

Originally posted on Fadeaway World | By Landon Buford | Last updated Mar 26, 2025 6:57 AM ET

When players compete fiercely, the NBA is at its best, and trash-talking brings an extra layer of intensity. Despite some former players arguing that the current league lacks the same level of competition as in past eras, the Indiana Pacers vs. Brooklyn Nets (108-103) matchup this past weekend proved that old-school banter is still alive.

The game's most memorable moment came from the verbal sparring between Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton and Nets forward Trendon Watford, an undrafted player who didn't give up on being an All-Star.

Haliburton vs. Watford: A Trash-Talking Masterclass

Watford attempted to distract Pacers guard Benedict Mathurin at the free-throw line to initiate the exchange. Haliburton, never one to stay silent, stepped in, leading to a hilarious back-and-forth.

Tyrese Haliburton: "You don't even know what the playoffs look like."

Trendon Watford: "You just found out last year."

Tyrese Haliburton: "You got no clue."

Trendon Watford, who was undrafted but unfazed, responded: "I'm undrafted and I'm getting doubled."

Tyrese Haliburton replied: "You're undrafted for a reason."

Trendon Watford delivered the knockout punch with a brutal truth: "You're having a down year."

LEAKED Audio Of Tyrese Haliburton Trash Talking Trendon Watford:

Hali: “You don’t even know what the playoffs look like”

Watford: “You just find out last year… I’m getting doubled and I’m undrafted”

Hali: “For a reason [undrafted]”

Watford: “You’re having a down year” pic.twitter.com/49qD7lgGaQ
— LegendZ (@legendz_nba) March 24, 2025

Is Haliburton Struggling?

Watford's criticism wasn't entirely incorrect. Haliburton's numbers have declined slightly from last season despite the Pacers (41-29) being playoff-bound and having made an Eastern Conference Finals appearance.

According to Basketball Reference, Tyrese Haliburton's averages are down 1.7 points (from 20.7 to 19.0) and 1.8 assists (from 10.4 to 8.6) per game from last season, and his field goal percentage has also dropped from 49% to 47%.

The eye test is what worries me more than the stats. Haliburton hasn't been consistently dominant like a franchise player should. If role players like Watford criticize him, it may be time for the Pacers star to respond with an impressive performance.

Why Trash Talk Makes the NBA Better

Basketball is entertaining because of its unfiltered banter. Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Gary Payton were legends who built their reputations through ruthless competition and sharp tongues. Despite the NBA's softer exterior, moments like Haliburton and Watford's exchange remind fans that the fire is still burning.

What’s Next for Haliburton?

To silence critics, Haliburton must improve his game as the playoffs approach. The Pacers will rely on him to be their leader, and performances, not just words, will determine whether he can back up his talk. The NBA is always more enjoyable when players go at each other, and that's true. If Watford's chirping lights cause a fire under Haliburton, Pacers fans won't feel any discomfort.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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