John Haliburton choke, explained: How Tyrese Haliburton's father trolled Knicks after blowing Game 1 to Pacers

While Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is having the time of his life during the 2025 NBA Playoffs, his dad might be enjoying himself even more.

Haliburton was one of the driving forces behind Indiana's improbable come-from-behind win over the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, and he celebrated as such. After trolling New York at the end of regulation in Game 1, Haliburton's dad, John, did the same once the game was in the bag.

As the dust settled from Game 1, a user on X (formerly Twitter) shared a video of John Haliburton celebrating the win at a restaurant, saying, "Hali daddy in here clowning," along with a laughing emoji and the Pacers' postseason rallying cry.

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Hali daddy in here clowning 😂 YES’CERSSSS @Pacers pic.twitter.com/s3dUO5FmmE

In the video, Haliburton is dancing with the now-infamous towel featuring his son's likeness while also placing his hand around his neck. Here's more on why the elder Haliburton chose to celebrate the win in the manner that he did.

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John Haliburton choke, explained

John Haliburton took a page from his son (and Reggie Miller) to celebrate Indiana's Game 1 win in the East Finals with a choking gesture.

The Pacers overcame nearly insurmountable odds to steal Game 1, earning a three-point overtime win after trailing by nine points with under a minute left in regulation. It was Tyrese Haliburton's buzzer-beater at the end of regulation that forced overtime, and he celebrated his shot by pointing toward Miller and making his own choking gesture.

Naturally, John Haliburton followed suit once the final buzzer sounded and the Pacers had officially stolen Game 1.

MORE PACERS-KNICKS

• Timeline of Tyrese Haliburton's game-winning shots
• How Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith led improbable Pacers rally in Game 1 win
• Aaron Nesmith lights up Knicks with 3-point barrage to help Indiana steal Game 1

Is John Haliburton allowed at NBA games?

No, John Haliburton is currently barred from attending NBA games.

On May 1, Haliburton and the Pacers front office agreed that he would "not attend the team's home and road games for the foreseeable future," per a Pacers statement provided to ESPN's Shams Charania.

The ban is not permanent, but it stems from Haliburton's on-court run-in with Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo after he was eliminated by Indiana. During the Pacers' end-of-series celebrations, Haliburton ran into the playing area and waved a towel in Antetokounmpo's face, drawing his ire.

Cooler heads prevailed, but Tyrese Haliburton spoke out against his father's actions postgame, and it was enough for the Pacers to take action.

After Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, TNT's Charles Barkley pleaded with the NBA to lift the ban, saying, "It's time to let Mr. Haliburton back in the building. My man paid his dues. He did something very stupid, but he's been punished. I'm asking [Adam Silver] and the Indiana Pacers."

John Haliburton was not present during the second round, but his ban could be lifted at some point down the line.