Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers are making significant waves in the NBA Finals. On Wednesday, they achieved a 2-1 series lead with a convincing 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Haliburton showcased another excellent all-around performance, playing a vital role in the Pacers’ series advantage.
Haliburton’s drive during this Finals series is amplified by his father’s presence, who has returned after a suspension from the Pacers organization. The father-son pair is well-known for attracting attention.
During Game 3, they once again found themselves in the limelight due to a light-hearted interaction picked up by a hot mic. After the game ended, Haliburton made his way to his father, seizing the moment to jokingly critique his dad’s outfit.
“You’re out of pocket for those jeans,” Hali quipped.
Tyrese Haliburton to his dad pre-game:
“You’re outta pocket for them jeans.” 😭
h/t @cjzero
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) June 12, 2025
By the end of the night, Haliburton had recorded 22 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists, making 9 of 17 shots from the field and hitting 4 of 8 from three-point range. Impressively, he became one of only five players in NBA history to score at least 20 points and dish out 10 assists in a Finals game without attempting a single free throw. His effectiveness and leadership have been crucial for Indiana’s success thus far.
Tyrese Haliburton Keeps It Real in Post-Game Interview
In the post-game interview following the Game 3 win, Haliburton was asked about his plans for celebrating with his father, who was present in the crowd. Staying true to his humorous character, Haliburton provided a witty response.
“Nah, I’m going to go say what’s up, and he’s going to go home. He’s out of pocket for those jeans, but other than that, it’s good to see him out here,” Hali remarked.
Holding a 2-1 lead in the series puts the Pacers in a favorable position. Historically, teams that clinch a 2-1 edge in the NBA Finals have a championship-winning rate of 81 percent. Their next challenge arises on Friday night in Indiana, where Haliburton and the Pacers will aim to extend their advantage and move closer to an elusive title.’
Image Source: Tyrese Haliburton @ Instagram
