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Tyrese Haliburton shares what he really thinks about the New York Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Bergas Agung | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 3:30 PM ET

Tyrese Haliburton delivered one of the most memorable playoff runs in recent NBA history last season.

The Indiana Pacers guard led his team to the Finals while creating numerous iconic moments throughout their underdog playoffs journey.

Tyrese Haliburton’s playoff highlights included a game-clinching layup with 26 points in Game 5 against Milwaukee, 31 points in a crucial victory over Cleveland, and a triple-double with zero turnovers in Game 4 against New York.

His season ended with an injury in Game 7 of the NBA finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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Haliburton describes hostile Madison Square Garden reception after previous encounters

The Pacers guard recently shared stories from each playoff series, emphasizing how the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden created a unique experience.

His previous encounters with Knicks fans had already established tension before the conference finals.

“You go into the first series and we play the Bucks. We hate the Bucks. The Bucks hate us. ____ the playoffs, we just want to beat you guys,” Haliburton began.

“Then you move on from there, and I think what we did so well as a group was that we didn’t really have any expectations. ‘Let’s just take care of what’s in front of us.'”

The progression from Milwaukee to Cleveland built momentum for Indiana’s surprising run. Each series presented different challenges as they knocked out higher-seeded opponents.

Haliburton embraces Garden hostility as career-defining playoff atmosphere

The Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks represented the pinnacle of Haliburton’s playoff experience.

He acknowledged the hostile environment while expressing genuine appreciation for the intensity Madison Square Garden provides.

“Then we played New York, who are a team… You wanna be in that environment. Come on, bro. You went to the Garden with me… After the shot in Game 1… you know we went to the Garden and they got after me. That was before this run. It’s going to be even worse going forward. That’s awesome. It’s the best s___ ever,” he added.

Haliburton’s injury in the conference finals remains a bitter ending to his remarkable postseason performance.

The Pacers face uncertainty about their ability to replicate last season’s success while waiting for their star guard to return to full health.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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