Tyrese Haliburton made sure to add an extra jab toward Damian Lillard after a key shot in the Pacers’ In-Season Tournament semifinal victory.
With under a minute remaining and the Pacers leading the Bucks by five, Haliburton dribbled around Malik Beasley, took a step toward Brook Lopez and then stepped back to connect on a 3-pointer.
Haliburton turned toward the Pacers’ bench.
He stuck out his right wrist and stared down.
And then, in a direct reference to Lillard’s “Dame Time,” Haliburton shouted, “I know what time it is,” before pointing at his chest and heading back down the court.
The 3-pointer marked the final basket of Haliburton’s 27-point night in the Pacers’ 128-119 victory over the Bucks, which carried them into the In-Season Tournament finals against the winner of the Lakers-Pelicans clash Thursday night.
He made 11 of 19 shots, including 3-for-9 on 3-pointers, to lead Indiana as it overcame 37 points from Giannis Antetokounmpo, 24 from Lillard and the threat of blowing a 12-point halftime lead.
It marked the third time this season that Haliburton compiled at least 25 points and 15 assists without recording a turnover — which already serves as the most all-time, according to ESPN.
“Tyrese is just one of those transcendent players where, when he’s on the court, anything is possible,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said postgame, according to the outlet.
Haliburton, in his third NBA season after getting selected No. 12 overall by the Kings in 2020, has averaged 26.9 points and 11.9 rebounds per game — with the latter leading the league entering Thursday’s games.
He was acquired by the Pacers in February 2022, and in his first full season with Indiana last year, Haliburton earned his first All-Star Game appearance.
When the Pacers eliminated the Celtics in the quarterfinals, Haliburton poured in 26 points, dished out 13 assists and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Three days later, his latest vintage performance helped Indiana topple another Eastern Conference contender — and also added to the case that the Pacers should be considered for that label, too.