Tyrese Haliburton had one of the best games of his career on Tuesday, May 27, against the New York Knicks. He helped the Indiana Pacers beat the Knicks 130-121 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
But what made the performance even more special was who was watching from the stands. After weeks of absence, Haliburton’s father was finally back at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and Tyrese made sure to deliver a performance that would make him proud.”
Tyrese Haliburton Credits Father’s Return for Monster Game Night
The Pacers needed a spark in Game 4 after their blowout loss in the previous game, and their All-Star point guard gave them just that. Haliburton dropped 32 points, dished out 15 assists, grabbed 12 rebounds, and didn’t commit a single turnover in the 130-121 victory.
Doing so, Haliburton became the first player in NBA playoff history to record a 30-point, 15-assist, 10-rebound game with zero turnovers. And while the numbers were jaw-dropping, Haliburton gave credit where it mattered most.
“Hell yeah,” Haliburton told TNT’s Allie LaForce when asked if his dad’s presence had anything to do with his performance. “Yeah, yeah. I’m glad Pops in the building, man. Makes it that much more sweet. Yeah, he had a little bit to do with it.”
Tyrese Haliburton postgame interview on the court, after the Pacers won game 4, and went up 3-1 in the series vs. the New York Knicks. Eastern Conference Finals, 2025 NBA Playoffs. pic.twitter.com/sbt5AuR7U1
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) May 28, 2025
Haliburton senior had been away from the team for eight playoff games after a heated altercation with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the first round. He rushed onto the court and taunted the Milwaukee Bucks star following the Pacers’ series-clinching win in Game 5.
While it was an emotional and controversial moment, all parties eventually agreed to restrict John from attending Pacers’ games. But nearly four weeks later, with the Pacers still alive and thriving in the postseason, the team allowed him back under a few new rules.
Haliburton senior returned to Gainbridge Fieldhouse Tuesday night under one condition: he would be seated in a suite rather than courtside.
Tyrese Haliburton’s dad, John is back in the building for Game 4 of Pacers-Knicks in Indy 🙌
(📸: @AP_Images) pic.twitter.com/7NH4s9CZVG
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 28, 2025
The return couldn’t have been timed better. With the Eastern Conference Finals hanging in the balance, Haliburton powered Indiana to a 3-1 series lead and brought the house to life. He had 20 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds at halftime alone.
Beyond the stats, there was something personal in the way he played. The game wasn’t just about winning — it was about family and silencing critics, too. Just weeks ago, Haliburton was voted “most overrated” in a player poll. Since then, he’s lead Indiana to its deepest playoff run in a decade with his clutch performances.
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Even NBA legend Charles Barkley had called for Haliburton father’s return, saying on air, “It’s time for Mr. Haliburton to get back in the building.”
Now that he is, the results speak for themselves.
Haliburton’s triple-double helped put Indiana one win away from the NBA Finals. Game 5 shifts to Madison Square Garden on Thursday, May 29, and while John won’t be in the building for road games, his presence at home clearly makes a difference.
