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Tyrese Haliburton Had 3-Word Message for Reggie Miller During 'Choke' Celebration

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gautam Varier | Last updated May 22, 2025 11:12 AM ET

Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers pulled off a stunning comeback win against the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday. The Pacers were down by 14 points with less than three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but managed to come away with a 138-135 win in overtime.

Haliburton was one of the architects behind that stunning turnaround, as he hit a wild circus shot to send the game to overtime. It nearly was the game-winner, but Haliburton's right toe was just on the three-point line.

Haliburton believed in that moment, though, that he had hit the game-winning buzzer-beater. He proceeded to celebrate by replicating Reggie Miller's 'choke' celebration against the Knicks.

Miller, who was on commentary for this game, orchestrated an epic comeback of his own against the Knicks 21 years ago. He scored 25 points in the fourth quarter of Game 5 of the 1994 Eastern Conference finals to help the Pacers overturn a 12-point deficit and get a 93-86 win at Madison Square Garden.

Amid that onslaught, Miller had flashed the 'choke' sign to Knicks superfan Spike Lee in the crowd. So, it was fitting that Haliburton thought about paying tribute to Miller by bringing out the celebration after another Knicks collapse.

Haliburton was mic'd up for this game as well, and it turns out he had a message for Miller as he did his celebration.

"Reggie, they choked," Haliburton said.

Haliburton eventually realized it wasn't the game-winner and was a bit disappointed. The two-time All-Star then admitted postgame that he wouldn't have done the celebration had he known it was a 2-pointer.

Regardless, the Pacers did eventually come away with the win, to spare Haliburton's blushes. He finished Game 1 with 31 points, four rebounds, 11 assists and one steal.

The Pacers are now 1-0 up and have snatched home-court advantage in this series. Game 2 will be at Madison Square Garden on Friday at 8 p.m. ET.

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

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