The Indiana Pacers took care of business in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, riding a near triple-double from Tyrese Haliburton to a 116–107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the series now 2–1 in Indiana’s favor, Gainbridge Fieldhouse was rocking—and so was Haliburton’s sense of humor.
Before putting up 22 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds and four 3-pointers in the victory, Haliburton delivered a viral moment courtside. During warmups, the All-Star guard took one look at his father John Haliburton’s outfit and fired off a hilarious six-word roast that had social media in stitches.
Tyrese Haliburton’s 6-Word Zinger at Dad’s Jeans Sparks Laughter Before Game 3
“Who dressed you, Stevie Wonder?” Haliburton joked with a smirk, showing once again that even under the NBA’s brightest lights, he keeps things loose. The moment spotlighted the blend of swagger and chemistry that’s fueled Indiana’s unexpected Finals push—and proved Haliburton’s got jokes to go along with his game.
During pregame warmups, Haliburton spotted his father (John) courtside in a distinctive pair of multi-colored jeans. As they exchanged a hug, the Pacers star quipped, “You’re outta pocket for them jeans,” a concise six-word roast that instantly went viral on social media.
Tyrese to his Dad: “You’re outta pocket for them jeans” pic.twitter.com/TcE7opG5iA
— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) June 12, 2025
The exchange was playful and affectionate, but it also highlighted Haliburton’s comfort under the spotlight—a quality that has served him well throughout these playoffs.
Now, fast-forward all the way back to Game 1 in Oklahoma City. Indiana pulled off a stunning comeback against the Thunder 111-110, finished off by Haliburton’s 21-foot pull-up jumper from the right elbow with 0.3 seconds remaining. That was the first Pacers lead of the game and one of the most clutch game-winners in Finals history as they overcame a 15-point deficit to steal it.
Then, in Game 2, the Oklahoma City Thunder responded in kind. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led his team in defeating Indiana, 123-107. That night, Haliburton only managed 17 points, with turnovers and a cold midgame stretch preventing Indiana from narrowing a double-digit gap.
Haliburton’s light roast of his father prior to tipoff in Game 3 also reflects the Pacers’ clubhouse culture: grounded, unpretentious, yet confident. John had been barred for eight games earlier in the playoffs after confronting Giannis Antetokounmpo in a playoff matchup. John later apologised for his behavior against Antetokounmpo via social media.
John was allowed to watch the Pacers’ home game in a suite since Game 4 against the Knicks. He returned courtside for Game 6 when the Pacers beat the New York Knicks on June 1 to book their 2025 NBA Finals berth. After that, John was seen courtside during Game 1, where he claimed before tip-off that, “Tonight is ours.”
Hali’s dad, John Haliburton, is ALLOWED TO ATTEND Pacers home games in a suite starting Game 4 on Tuesday, per @ShamsCharania
John Haliburton missed eight games after an altercation with Giannis on April 29 pic.twitter.com/PWgg1VWxDF
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 26, 2025
As the Pacers retake the series lead and inch closer to their first NBA title, the weight of legacy and history grows heavier with each game. The Thunder are chasing a breakthrough of their own, seeking their first championship since relocating from Seattle.
However, amid the pressure and postseason grind, Haliburton’s six-word roast was a welcome reminder: even in the NBA Finals spotlight, a little joy—and a dad joke—can keep the moment light and the team grounded.
