The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are currently in a heated battle as the Eastern Conference Finals rage on. The Pacers are currently leading 2-0, taking both of the games at Madison Square Garden on the road.
Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Brunson are the floor generals for their respective teams, and they are very much seen as rivals, especially since they had their moment on WWE television a year ago, which sparked more intensity for this current series.
Haliburton is a noted WWE and wrestling fan, while Brunson has also made appearances on WWE programming. The two star players have set the tone for their second playoff series in a row, with a brewing rivalry starting to build on the court.
Is There Real Tension Between Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Brunson?
Despite the idea that Haliburton and Brunson are nemeses, that could be further from the truth. While the two are fierce competitors who go toe-to-toe against each other, that is just in the spirit of competition.
Haliburton spoke on the alleged feud between himself and Brunson, downplaying any idea of real tension, as their WWE confrontation was merely a part of the show and in good fun. Haliburton suggests the two are good friends, but on the court, there’s no time for camaraderie.
“We want to be the best. So when our names are always in the same conversation and now we’re battling to bring our teams to the NBA Finals, you’re going to see some competition. You’re going to see the best in both of us, and that’s what everybody wants to see.
“Me and Jalen, we’re friends. We text each other throughout the season, but when we step on the floor, there’s not much conversation to be had. I think to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best, and I think Jalen has been amazing.”
So there’s no real bad blood between the two friends, but both men are vying for the same goal, which is winning the NBA championship. The Pacers are further along towards that goal, but the Knicks have a daunting task in front of them.
Can the Knicks Mount a Comeback?
The Knicks have to do what seems impossible: Win two games on the road. If they can take Games 3 and 4 on the road, they have a chance at making a run at winning the series. If they can only split the two road games, they’ll be facing a 3-1 deficit.
Will the Knicks manage to succeed in their efforts to stay alive? Or do the Pacers just have their number yet again this season? The time for the Knicks to make things happen has arrived. What will they do?
