After hitting the game-winning 3-pointer in the Indiana Pacers’ Game 2 comeback playoff win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Tyrese Haliburton expressed his willingness to accept any fines for his celebratory dance. He emulated Sam Cassell and “Major League II” character Pedro Cerrano with his “big-balls” celebration, but only received a warning from the NBA, as reported by the Associated Press.
Haliburton mentioned that he had been waiting for the perfect moment to showcase his dance moves, and hitting a game-winning shot in a playoff game on the road seemed like the ideal opportunity.
The memorable shot came after Haliburton grabbed his own rebound off a missed free throw, dribbled back to the 3-point arc, and executed a series of moves to create space for the shot that sealed the victory.
“I’ve been waiting for that. I’ve been waiting for that, man,” Haliburton said via the AP. “It was just right in the moment. It was right in the moment. Yeah, man, I’ve been waiting for that. I’ll take that fine, gladly.”
Despite the NBA’s history of penalizing players for similar celebrations, Haliburton managed to avoid a fine this time. Whether it was due to the playoff setting or being a first-time offense, only time will tell if he will face consequences in the future.
Game 3 between the Pacers and Cavaliers is set for Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET in Indianapolis, with Indiana leading the series 2-0.