Could Have Blown It: Tyrese Haliburton Sparks NBA Rivalry with Notorious Choke Gesture Aimed at Knicks

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton was biding his time to revive Reggie Miller’s iconic signal from the team’s storied history, particularly during their playoff clashes with the New York Knicks.

A buzzer-beater at Madison Square Garden with Miller present felt apt, although his celebration proved to be a touch hasty.

As the first game of the Eastern Conference finals drew to a close, Haliburton connected on what appeared to be a game-winning three-pointer against the Knicks.

The exuberant Pacers guard sprinted towards the crowd along the sideline, gesturing dramatically around his neck as the final buzzer echoed in the iconic arena.

Regrettably, video replays revealed that his toe had grazed the line, sending the match into overtime. Nevertheless, the Pacers triumphed, edging out the Knicks 138-135 in a thrilling encounter.

In his post-game comments, Haliburton acknowledged he “might have wasted” the opportunity to deliver the iconic taunt directed at the fervent Knicks supporters, given that his initial shot didn’t clinch the game.

“Everyone wanted me to do it at some point last year, but it has to feel appropriate, and at that moment, it felt right,” the 25-year-old reflected.

“Had I realised it was a two-pointer, I wouldn’t have done it. I might have squandered it.”

Miller famously gave the choke signal to Knicks superfan Spike Lee during a crucial comeback in game five of the 1994 Eastern Conference finals.

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle expressed no concerns about Haliburton riling up the crowd, a tactic that Miller thrived on during the intense rivalries of the 1990s.

“Listen, players are allowed to express themselves, it’s an emotional game,” he commented.

“It’s not a big deal. This crowd couldn’t have been much louder than they were tonight.”

Haliburton had previously notched up 26 points to lead the Pacers past the Knicks in last year’s game seven of the semi-finals while donning a shirt featuring Miller’s iconic pose during his press conference.

Miller was part of the commentary team for TNT during Thursday’s (AEST) game.

Haliburton mentioned they often exchanged messages, and while they couldn’t chat directly following the game, they did share a moment of eye contact.

“It was definitely a special moment – really awesome that he was in the building for that,” Haliburton remarked.

The second game of the series is set for Saturday morning (AEST) at Madison Square Garden.