The East is on fire as the Conference Finals return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. And at the center of it all stands Tyrese Haliburton. Just months ago, 14.4% of anonymous players called him the most overrated. Now? He’s the Pacers’ heartbeat. Taking down the Bucks and Cavaliers looked effortless. Now, the Knicks stand as the only hurdle between them and the NBA Finals.
But Tyrese isn’t the only Haliburton grabbing headlines. His dad, John, waved a towel with his son’s face after the Bucks fell. Besides, that direct confrontation with Giannis Antetokounmpo? Jeez! That was tense, electric, and borderline chaotic. Undoubtedly, some lines were crossed on that fateful night of April 29. Yet, behind the wild energy is love. And then there’s Brenda, Haliburton Jr.’s mom.
NBA insider Brian Windhorst revealed Tyrese Haliburton’s mother’s major move for the Pacers
Brian Windhorst, like most people associated with the league, has a close relationship with the Haliburton family. “A lot of people, if you’re around the Pacers or you’ve been around Team USA, you know John and Brenda Haliburton. You just know them,” Windy shared. Then he shared a rare insight into Tyrese Haliburton’s bold move after her son paid homage to Reggie Miller’s choke sign in Game 1 of the Conference Finals after hitting that game-changing dagger to push the game into OT.
The ESPN veteran shared: “One of the more remarkable things that happened in the last week—after Tyrese hits the game-winner, or the one that forces overtime, and does the choke sign (I guess that was Game 1; a minute ago I said that was Game 2)—his mom, Brenda, goes to the Today Show the next day and stands in the rain outside with a Pacers sign.”
He added, “Brenda Haliburton, who again is just wonderful, went with her friend. They go to the Today Show, and Craig Melvin, I think, is out there—Carson Daly and Craig Melvin. This woman goes, ‘Yeah!’ They’re holding Pacers signs. She’s just a woman from Wisconsin going to the big city. What do you do in the big city if you’re from Wisconsin? You go to the Today Show. It was the next morning.”
May 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) celebrates during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Tyrese Haliburton stunned the Knicks late at night, then his mom Brenda stole the morning spotlight, standing proudly with a Pacers flag in the rain outside the Today Show. It was pure, heartfelt magic. Windhorst admits Tyrese might annoy rivals, especially Knicks fans. Still, with a family that loyal and lovable, it is hard not to root for them. In that game, the 25-year-old guard scored a double-double with 31 points and 11 assists.
Meanwhile, after John Haliburton’s antics in the Bucks game, he was suspended for eight games straight. This also pushed ESPN to make a tough decision for the favorite dad in the NBA. But, maybe, just maybe, it was needed, who knows?
ESPN took a major decision against John Haliburton after his row with Giannis Antetokounmpo
Undoubtedly, Tyrese’s dad became a secret weapon after a heated moment with Giannis. Suspension talks sparked, but the league softened—thankfully. Imagine the Indiana Pacers make it to the NBA Finals and John misses the moment? Painful. However, he missed eight games after April 29’s drama. Now, Papa Hali is making a comeback at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to witness Game 3 vs. the New York Knicks on Tuesday. He will be allowed in the game, but with certain restrictions, like cheering from a confined suite!
Now, Brian Windhorst shared another story about ESPN’s decision against John Haliburton after his confrontation with the Greek Freak in April. “I have a hard time not wanting good things for the Haliburton family,” Windy made an honest confession. “I guess if that makes me biased, so be it. By the way, I think the John Haliburton story—you guys would know this—on the metrics, people care about this. Because on all the ESPN shows I was on today, we pushed out.”
Image Source: Imagn
After the on-court drama, the league made it clear: something had to happen after that tense moment. They checked in, making sure things were cooling off. Now, John Haliburton has become a secret weapon to rally fans and fire up Tyrese. Windhorst loves John, having traveled with him for Team USA. But the message is clear—John can cheer, but no towel-waving or court antics. Keeping it calm means he stays close for those crucial playoff moments.
In this family, passion runs deep and loyalty never wavers. With Brenda’s fierce support and John’s fiery spirit now carefully channeled, the Haliburtons have become the Pacers’ secret weapon off the court. As the playoffs heat up, one thing is clear—this isn’t just basketball. It’s a story of heart, grit, and a family united behind a shared dream. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to be part of that?
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