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 own missed free throw, stepped outside the arc, and drained the go-ahead triple with a hand in his face (video here).
After the big shot, Haliburton walked toward the center circle and did the infamous “Big Balls” dance as the crowd stayed silent at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
Tyrese Haliburton with the big balls celly pic.twitter.com/k7jSTyUryK
— Caleb Williams Fan Club (@CalebFC18) May 7, 2025
The obscene celebration made famous by three-time NBA champion Sam Cassell has been banned by the NBA for over a decade. Players who use it typically receive a fine upwards of $15,000.
Based on a quote from his postgame press conference, 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, 8 rebounds, and 4 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 outshined an opposing star in crunch time.
