Tyrese Haliburton has had his share of clutch moments in these playoffs, but it’s his dad, John Haliburton, who’s stealing the spotlight—again. After previously being banned for his courtside antics in the first round, John was back in the headlines during the Pacers’ Game 3 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. And this time, it wasn’t for a wild celebration or taunt—it was the outfit.
Caught on camera rocking tight, flashy jeans while celebrating Tyrese’s first-half performance, John drew a light-hearted but pointed reaction from his son. “You’re outta pocket for them jeans,” Tyrese told him midgame, laughing it off. Still, the comment carried undertones of a son trying to keep his dad’s wild side in check during a high-stakes postseason run.
This isn’t the first time John’s behavior has raised eyebrows. During the Pacers’ Game 5 win over the Bucks, he rushed courtside after Tyrese’s game-winner, waving a towel and taunting Giannis. The Pacers responded by banning him for the rest of the playoffs, though his presence at a bar celebration went viral again just days later.
Despite the distractions, Tyrese remains focused. In Game 3 against OKC, he was steady, finishing the third quarter with 19 points and 8 assists, even as Indiana trailed 89–84. With the series tightening, the Pacers will hope that dad drama doesn’t distract from their Finals push.
Because, as Tyrese made clear—on and off the court—it’s time to keep things in check. Even the jeans.
(This is a building story…)
The post Tyrese Haliburton Takes Issue With Dad John’s Courtside Appearance During Pacers vs OKC Game 3 appeared first on EssentiallySports.