Will Tyrese Haliburton’s father attend the NBA Finals games in OKC?
Appearing in the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years, the Indiana Pacers take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 today.
Tyrese Haliburton’s father will be able to attend NBA Finals games in both Indianapolis and Oklahoma City, having sat out a number of the Pacers’ postseason clashes after a spat with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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Indiana point guard Haliburton confirmed the news during NBA Finals Media Day on Wednesday, per the Indy Star, telling reporters: “I’m excited he’s going to be in the building.”
Why did Haliburton Sr. miss Pacer playoff games?
John Haliburton missed nine of the Pacers’ playoff games at home and on the road last month, having agreed with the franchise to stay away from the court “for the foreseeable future”.
This decision came after Haliburton Sr. clashed with Milwaukee star Antetokounmpo at the end of Indiana’s 119-118 win over the Bucks on April 29 - a triumph that sealed a 4-1 series victory for the Pacers in the playoffs’ opening round.
Having watched his son score the basket that clinched the Pacers’ overtime win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, John Haliburton could be seen confronting Antetokounmpo on court.
He later returned from his ban to watch Games 4 and 6 of the Conference Finals in Indiana, as the Pacers beat the New York Knicks to the Eastern title. He watched from a suite at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, rather than his usual courtside seat. He was not present for any of the Pacers’ road games against the Knicks.
Media commentary “over the top”
Declaring that his father his “learned” from his suspension, Tyrese Haliburton told reporters this week that the media scrutiny that John Haliburton has faced has been “over the top”.
“I think the commentary around my dad got a little ridiculous,” the 25-year-old said, according to the Indy Star. “Of course, I’m going to say that. I’m his son. It got a little over the top. He was wrong. That is what it is. I don’t think any of us want to be defined by our worst moments.
“That’s just sports media. Sometimes we just take a super good thing or a super bad thing and overblow it. It is what it is. He’s learned from it. It won’t happen again. Love my pops dearly. Really thankful he’s going to be in the building along with me on this journey.”
Competing in their first NBA Finals since 2000, the Pacers take on the Oklahoma City Thunder, who host Game 1 of the best-of-seven series tonight.
all the details to catch you up on our NBA Finals run 👀📝 pic.twitter.com/Pry9Wl3bUL
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 4, 2025
Pacers vs Thunder: Game 1 tip-off time, how to watch
In the championship series opener at Paycom Center, the Pacers face the Thunder at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m PT.
Viewers in the U.S. can watch the action on ABC. You can stream ABC’s coverage on the online platform fubo, which offers a free trial. You’ll also have the option of following AS USA’s live-text coverage.
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