Damian Lillard had a message for Tyrese Haliburton Thursday after the Indiana Pacers star stole the Milwaukee Bucks guard’s celebration.
Haliburton’s Pacers upset Lillard’s Bucks 128-119 to advance to the championship game of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament.
Haliburton stole Lillard’s signature “Dame Time” celebration after the Pacers guard hit a dagger three in the final minute at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.
Lillard shared his thoughts on Haliburton’s celebration Thursday during his postgame press conference. The 7-time All-Star said that he “didn’t mind it.” But the Bucks point guard did give Haliburton a piece of advice on staying humble.
“I learned as a kid, when you dish it out, you’ve got to be willing to take it,” Lillard told reporters. “For as many times as I’ve done it to people, I can’t be upset when someone else does it. … I’ve also known that when you’re having your moment, it’s important to be careful and to be humble, because you just never know how the tables turn and when they turn.”
“Be humble when you're having your moments. … but I respected it"
Lillard speaks on Hali's Dame Time celly ⌚️ pic.twitter.com/x4pl74e11J
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 8, 2023
Lillard added that he also saw the moment as a sign of respect for the body of work he’s put together throughout his 12-year career.
Lillard had 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists in the semifinals loss to Indiana. Haliburton finished with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 15 assists, and no turnovers to lead the Pacers to the title game Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
