Let’s talk about what really happened after Game 5 of the Pacers vs. Bucks series — and no, we’re not just talking about the brawl, the stare-down, or the surprise guest appearance from Tyrese Haliburton’s dad. This story starts with a mother.
In the middle of the chaos, Teroya “Tea” Eason, mother of Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason, used her platform to expose a deeper truth about what it means to be a family member in today’s NBA. While the internet was obsessing over John Haliburton’s postgame behavior, Tea brought the conversation back to where it should’ve started: the double standards and online abuse families of NBA players face.
“NBA Mom tweets the same way she’s been tweeting over a decade; they tell her stop. Send death threats. Sexually harass her. Say her son will lose money and deals and now is a target,” she posted on X. “NBA Dads visibly drunk court side, argue with players, go on interviews saying WILD shit, court side taunting. And none of that was this Dad. It’s so cute, Dad just being dad. The standard has quadrupled. And I remain fearless. I want my sons to see it unfold in real time, so they know what the real fight is for.”
NBA Mom tweets the same way she’s been tweeting over a decade; they tell her stop. Send death threats. Sexually harass her. Say her son will lose money and deals and now is a target.
NBA Dads visibly drunk court side, argue with players, go on interviews saying WILD shit,… https://t.co/EfbO9PLjvZ
— MOMSTER “Tea” (@teroyaeason) April 30, 2025
It’s a powerful statement — and sadly, it’s backed up by years of evidence. Nina Westbrook, wife of Russell Westbrook, has spoken about receiving death threats and daily harassment. Jeanie Buss, owner of the Lakers, revealed similar abuse during a losing season. Nicole Curran, wife of Warriors owner Joe Lacob, was bullied off social media after a viral Jay-Z moment during the 2019 Finals.
So when John Haliburton, dad of Tyrese, found himself forehead-to-forehead with Giannis Antetokounmpo after Indiana’s wild 119-118 OT win over the Bucks, the conversation should’ve been more nuanced than just labeling him “out of line.” Yes, Tyrese himself admitted postgame: “I don’t think that my pops was in the right at all there… Will have a conversation.”
But Tea Eason’s point stands: Why are NBA moms torn apart for tweets, while dads get memeified and celebrated — even when they cross the line?
Now let’s rewind to what actually went down in Indianapolis. At the final buzzer, John Haliburton, father of Tyrese Haliburton, approached Giannis Antetokounmpo — and while it looked like a handshake at first, things escalated fast. With their foreheads pressed together and words flying, Pat Connaughton had to step in to separate the two. Security and staffers rushed in. The handshake line? More like a shoving match.
And it didn’t stop there. Moments later, Bennedict Mathurin — who missed Game 4 after Giannis accidentally kneed him in the gut during Game 3 — took things up a notch. During the postgame handshake, he shoved Giannis and grabbed his jersey in full view of the cameras. Kevin Porter Jr. got involved. Myles Turner tried to calm things down while the rest of the Pacers looked like they were trying to win a bonus round.
It was a mess. Even Lily Batum, wife of Sixers veteran Nicolas Batum, summed it up perfectly online: “WTFFFFFFF.”
Haliburtons making headlines all day today
Tyrese Haliburton was absolutely sensational. The Pacers guard dropped 26 points, 9 assists, and put the dagger in Milwaukee with a fearless drive right at Giannis for the OT game-winner.
He didn’t just lead Indiana. He was Indiana. And even though Aaron Nesmith added a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double and all five starters hit double figures, it was Tyrese who delivered when it mattered.
On the Bucks’ side, Gary Trent Jr. went nuclear — 33 points, eight triples, and 12 in overtime. But two costly turnovers in the final minute sealed Milwaukee’s fate. Giannis had a triple-double (30-20-13!), but without Damian Lillard — who tore his Achilles in Game 4 — it just wasn’t enough.
So now, it’s Indiana heading into the second round against the Cavs. And Milwaukee? They’re heading into one hell of an offseason.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Tea Eason’s words resonated for a reason. We love our viral NBA dad moments—LaVar Ball, for example… until we don’t. But mothers who advocate, speak up, or — heaven forbid — tweet emotionally? They’re labeled a problem.
Yet courtside antics from celebrity fans are often seen as hilarious, not harmful. Tracy Morgan spilled two beers on the floor mid-game. Leslie Jones openly trash-talked refs and opposing players. Chris Distefano’s dad once tried to order cotton candy from courtside seats and asked a player for an autograph — who wasn’t even on the team.
It’s time to stop pretending this behavior is new — or that it’s just “funny” when some people do it and “unacceptable” when others do.
John Haliburton’s fiery moment may have grabbed headlines, but Tea Eason grabbed the mic — and said what a lot of people have been too afraid to say out loud.
The Pacers are on to Round 2, the Bucks are heading back home, and the rest of us are left with a hard truth: The NBA doesn’t just have a drama problem. It has a double standard problem — and it’s time we called it out.
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