Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) celebrates his game-winning 3-point basket in the fourth quarter during Game 2 of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers. David Richard-Imagn Images

Tyrese Haliburton did banned celebration after his Game 2 game-winner

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated May 7, 2025 9:26 AM ET

Tyrese Haliburton should expect a fine from the NBA soon. But the Indiana Pacers star sounds more than willing to pay it after his postseason heroics on Tuesday.

Haliburton sank the game-winning three-pointer to steal a Game 2 win for the Pacers in their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The All-Star guard secured the rebound on his missed free throw, stepped outside the arc and drained the go-ahead triple with a hand in his face.

After the big shot, Haliburton walked toward the center circle and did an infamous celebration as the crowd stayed silent at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio:

An INSANE game winner + celebration from Haliburton. What a game. pic.twitter.com/SBnhVdN1uP
— Coach Gibson Pyper (@HalfCourtHoops) May 7, 2025

The NBA has banned the obscene celebration made famous by three-time NBA champion Sam Cassell for over a decade. Players who use it typically receive a fine of up to $15,000.

Based on his postgame press conference quote, Haliburton has no regrets about breaking the NBA rule.

“I’ve been waiting for that,” Haliburton said when asked about the celebration. “I was waiting for that, man. It was just right in the moment. … I’ll take that fine, gladly.”

Haliburton finished with a relatively meager stat line of 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists. He was completely outplayed by Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, who carried his team with 48 points.

But for the second time this postseason, Haliburton outshone an opposing star in crunch time.

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

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