Pacers’ Haliburton Channels Reggie Miller in Thrilling Match Against Knicks
NEW YORK — Tyrese Haliburton decided it was the right moment to evoke memories of Reggie Miller’s infamous choke signal during a high-stakes game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
With the game clock winding down, Haliburton hit a long jumper that seemed to win the game. Celebrating with his hands around his neck, he thought he had converted a 3-pointer. However, a video review showed that his foot was on the line, and it only counted as a 2-pointer, which tied the game.
The Pacers went on to win the contest 138-135 in overtime, marking a strong start in the Eastern Conference finals.
“Everyone wanted me to do it again like last year, but it has to feel right, and it did at that moment,” Haliburton commented. “If I had known it was just a 2, I wouldn’t have celebrated that way. I might have wasted it.”
Miller famously used the choke signal during the 1994 Eastern Conference finals, rallying fans while he led the Pacers against the Knicks. His performance then was instrumental in putting the Pacers up in the series, although New York later took control to win the matchup.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle didn’t see Haliburton’s celebration as a problem, emphasizing the emotional nature of these games. "Players can express themselves the way they want, and it’s part of the game. We’ll be ready, and the crowd can’t get any louder than it was tonight," Carlisle said.
After leading the Pacers past the Knicks in a previous playoff series, Haliburton honored Miller by wearing a sweatshirt featuring his choke pose during the postgame press conference. Miller was in the arena as a commentator for this game, and while Haliburton didn’t get a chance to speak with him afterward, they did share a meaningful look.
“Definitely a special moment, and it was really cool he was there to see that,” Haliburton added.
In the world of basketball, moments like these connect the past with the present, showcasing the fierce rivalries and memorable history of the sport.
