The New York Knicks are known for their electric fan base — loyal, passionate, and star-studded. From longtime courtside regular Spike Lee to A-listers like Timothée Chalamet and Dave Chappelle in the crowd, Knicks games often feel like red carpet premieres.
But in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, it was the Indiana Pacers who brought not just the fire on the court, but a dose of heartwarming humanity off it.
On May 27, the Pacers had a hero of their own — not an actor or artist, but a New York firefighter named Hans Perez who was heckled by Knicks fans a few days earlier.
Tyrese Haliburton Had a Surprise for Pacers Fan
After the Pacers’ emphatic 130-121 win over the Knicks in Game 4, which gave Indiana a 3-1 series lead, Tyrese Haliburton made things right for Perez. The Pacers star — coming off a historic performance with 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds without a single turnover — invited Perez into the locker room after the game.
Haliburton handed Perez a signed jersey, personalized with a message.
“To my Dawg Hans. Appreciate the love always. You an Indy legend, don’t ever forget it!”
Tyrese Haliburton’s message to New York firefighter Hans Perez: “To my Dawg Hans. You an Indy legend don’t ever forget it!”
Photo: @Pacers | Video: adam.b0lt/IG pic.twitter.com/WuWGohSqAD
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) May 28, 2025
Perez, a die-hard Pacers fan living in New York, had gone viral for the wrong reason. After the Knicks clinched their return to the Conference Finals on May 16 by beating Boston in Game 6, the postgame celebration outside Madison Square Garden got ugly.
In the middle of the crowd, Perez — wearing a Haliburton Pacers jersey — was heckled by a group of Knicks fans. One even tossed a trash bag at him. The video quickly spread online, sparking both outrage and support.
Fast forward to May 27, and the story flipped in the best way. Not only did Perez’s team win, but his favorite player made playoff history with a rare triple-double.
The Pacers jumped out early with an eight-point first-quarter lead and stretched it to 15 in the fourth. Even as the Knicks tried to rally, Indiana never gave up the lead, sealing both the win and the hearts of fans.
In a league where celebrity moments usually dominate the spotlight, this was a reminder of what truly matters — fans like Hans.
Hans Perez Had More Than Just a Wonderful Night
After the viral incident, Haliburton stepped in. He found Perez, invited him on the “Pat McAfee Show,” and flew him out to Indy for Game 4.
But the magic started even before the game. When Perez landed in Indianapolis, he was met at the airport by firefighters and airport staff ready to roll out the red — or in this case, gold — carpet.
rolled out the gold carpet for Hans Perez’s arrival to Indy for Game 4 🙌
we teamed up with the Indianapolis Fire Department & @INDAirport for a special welcome and ride to his hotel 🚒
Hans is the fan who went viral for wearing a Tyrese Haliburton jersey around Madison Square… pic.twitter.com/GrHvYNdkVp
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 27, 2025
Then, before the game, he joined Pat McAfee live outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
“I’ve been getting my chops busted all my life for being a Pacers fan. Now the whole fire department knows I’m a Pacers fan,” Perez said on the show.
Now the series heads back to Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks will host Game 5 on Thursday, May 29. But no matter how this series ends, for Perez and the Pacers, Game 4 will be a moment they’ll never forget.
