INDIANAPOLIS – When the Indiana Pacers try to rebound from their Game 3 disappointment, Tyrese Haliburton’s father can attend.
John Haliburton will be allowed back inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Tuesday night’s game, bringing an end to a nearly month-long attendance ban.
The elder Haliburton garnered criticism after a confrontation with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo in the Pacers’ closeout game in the first round. Tyrese Haliburton hit the game-winning layup with 1.3 seconds left in overtime.
John Haliburton went onto the court to celebrate. Video showed him waving a towel; Antetokounmpo said the elder Haliburton swore at him during the exchange, which ended with both men being pulled away by teammates and security.
John Haliburton apologized after the game, saying he made a mistake and pledging it wouldn’t happen again. His son told reporters he’d talked to his father about the incident and agreed it was inappropriate.
The elder Haliburton soon learned he wouldn’t be able to attend any of the Pacers’ home or road playoff games. The team’s front office made the decision, which he said he understood and accepted.
On Monday, the team confirmed it had lifted the ban. After missing eight playoff games—five in the Cleveland series and three in the Knicks series—John Haliburton is welcome back. He’s expected to be in a suite, according to ESPN.
After the Pacers beat the Knicks in Game 2, TNT analyst Charles Barkley suggested Haliburton’s father should be allowed back at games during an interview with the Pacers’ All-NBA star.
“Free Pops,” Haliburton said during the broadcast.
Tyrese Haliburton didn’t speak to the media on Monday. Teammate Myles Turner told reporters he was glad to see the situation resolved.
“I love a father-son relationship,” Turner said. “This is a very special moment, being in the conference finals and potentially going to move on, so I’m glad that a father can see his son play.”
Nesmith’s status
Aaron Nesmith will be a game-time decision.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Nesmith was still recovering after rolling his right ankle in Sunday’s Game 3 loss.
“Aaron is sore today, predictably,” Carlisle said during Monday’s media availability. “He will be likely a game-time decision and probably be listed as questionable.”
Nesmith’s fingerprints have been all over the series. He scored 30 points in Game 1, including 20 in the fourth quarter, to help the Pacers come back for an unlikely overtime win. He has been relentless in defending Knicks star Jalen Brunson.
On Sunday night, Nesmith landed awkwardly on his right ankle in the third quarter. Staff and teammates had to help him off the floor. He eventually returned with 7:03 left in the fourth quarter and played the rest of the game.
Nesmith has been a vital piece in the Pacers’ playoff run, averaging 15.1 points per game and shooting 53.5% from three-point range. His tough-minded defense has worn down opponents and contributed to opponents’ offensive inefficiency.
He missed 35 games during the regular season with a sprained ankle. It’s no secret that the Pacers saw marked improved after his return in January.
“We’ve gotta play better”
The message from Carlisle to his team was simple.
“We’ve gotta play better,” Carlisle said Monday.
He specifically cited the Pacers’ level of aggression, tempo, rebounding and defensive intensity. All were lacking, especially in the fourth quarter, against the Knicks in Game 3.
“It’s a back-and-forth thing. We’ve got to be ready to come back stronger,” he said.
He credited the Knicks for playing well but acknowledged his team fell short in execution.
“We’ve got to be a much better version of who we are,” he said. “That includes a lot of areas, everything from rebounding to turnovers and other miscues. We made poor judgment at times, and we’ve got to be better.”
Carlisle said his team needed to execute more efficiently at the end of quarters and halves. For example, the Pacers let the Knicks cut a 20-point lead to 13 points just before halftime, giving New York some momentum instead of extending the lead.
Two veteran Pacers players noticed the team got away from hits breakneck style of play late in the game.
“We didn’t play fast enough,” Turner said. “We built our brand on being that way, getting up and down the floor and being a fast-paced team.”
“We just slowed down, and that played into their hands,” said guard TJ McConnell. “We just got to continue to be us on makes and misses and get out and play fast, and I don’t think we did that.”
Tuesday’s Gold Out
Tuesday’s Game 4 is a “Gold Out,” with all fans in attendance receiving a gold t-shirt.
The Game 4 shirt features the motto, “Yes ‘Cers Nation,” referencing this year’s team slogan.
Despite Sunday night’s disappointing loss, the Pacers still lead the series 2-1 and have the chance to take a 3-1 lead before heading back to Madison Square Garden for Thursday’s Game 5.
Tip is set for 8 p.m. The game airs on TNT.
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