Tyrese Haliburton stayed classy in victory Sunday with his Indiana Pacers one win away from the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Haliburton thoroughly dissected the Milwaukee Bucks’ defense in Game 4 of their first-round series at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis. The Pacers All-Star scored 17 points and dished out 15 assists in the 129-103 blowout victory. It was a sterling performance for the “most overrated” player in the league.
Haliburton started his postgame press conference by showing respect toward rival Damian Lillard, who suffered a likely torn Achilles early in the contest.
“Before you all ask any questions, I want to send my thoughts and prayers to Dame,” Haliburton told reporters. “What you see between us is competing. You hate to see that happen, especially to a guy who’s been through a lot. He’s giving it his all to come out here and play after the scary health issue. … The love I have for that guy, you hate to see that happen to anybody.”
Tyrese Haliburton is a class act 👏
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 28, 2025
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 )
pic.twitter.com/wGFYI9R7Y8
Lillard and Haliburton had a few flare-ups over the series’ first three games. But those evidently happened in the spirit of healthy competition. With Lillard hurt, the Pacers have an even firmer grip on the series with their 3-1 lead.
The Bucks may have more than just the series to worry about. With Lillard potentially out for at least a good chunk of next season, keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo happy could be a daunting challenge for Milwaukee this offseason.
