In a thrilling Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Tyrese Haliburton delivered one of the finest performances of his career, leading the Indiana Pacers to a commanding 130-121 victory over the New York Knicks. This remarkable game coincided with the return of Haliburton’s father, John, to the stands, as the Pacers lifted their temporary ban on his attendance. The victory put the Pacers ahead 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals, bringing them one step closer to clinching a spot in the NBA Finals.
Haliburton's standout game featured a stunning triple-double: he scored 32 points, recorded 12 rebounds (a personal playoff best), and dished out 15 assists—all without committing a single turnover. This achievement marked Haliburton's second career postseason triple-double, making him the first player in NBA history to score at least 32 points with 15 assists and zero turnovers in a playoff game. Additionally, he showcased his shooting skill by sinking five three-pointers on 12 attempts, further distinguishing his performance in an already historic NBA postseason.
In his postgame interview with TNT, Haliburton acknowledged the emotional significance of having his father in attendance, stating, “Hell yeah (having John in the building had something to do with it).” However, he later downplayed the emotional aspect, emphasizing his determination to perform well regardless of the circumstances. Haliburton's impressive first-half statistics—20 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists—set the tone for an unforgettable night and helped the Pacers secure a 69-64 lead by halftime.
Haliburton wasn't alone in his effort. Teammate Pascal Siakam added 30 points, including 11 crucial points in the fourth quarter, while Bennedict Mathurin contributed 20 points off the bench. Aaron Nesmith, playing through a sprained ankle, chipped in with 16 points, showcasing the depth and resilience of the Pacers' roster. On the Knicks' side, Jalen Brunson led the scoring with 29 points, but the team fell short in their comeback attempts.
The Knicks, trailing by 13 points with just over five minutes remaining, attempted a furious comeback but could only narrow the gap to six points. A pivotal three-pointer from Obi Toppin with 46.3 seconds left sealed the game for the Pacers, allowing them to maintain their lead and secure the victory.
Off the court, the atmosphere was electric as former Indianapolis Colts punter and ESPN personality Pat McAfee entertained the crowd by introducing notable Knicks fans such as Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, and Timothée Chalamet. The crowd responded with boos, adding a layer of drama to the already tense playoff environment.
John Haliburton, who had been banned from attending games following an incident during the first round against the Milwaukee Bucks, returned to see his son thrive on the court. Coach Rick Carlisle expressed his happiness for John’s presence, stating, “A father should be able to watch his son play basketball. We welcome him back.” During the game, John was seen engaging with fans, wearing a light blue Pacers hoodie, and enjoying the moment from a suite near the court.
Postgame, Tyrese reflected on the significance of family in his career, noting that his father's busy schedule as a referee often kept him from attending Tyrese's games during his childhood. “When my dad could be there, I always wanted to play well,” Tyrese shared. His teammate, Myles Turner, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of father-son relationships in sports.
With the Pacers just one win away from reaching the NBA Finals, the excitement continues to build. The next game is set for Thursday at Madison Square Garden, where the Pacers will aim to close out the series against the Knicks. As Tyrese Haliburton demonstrated in Game 4, the synergy between family support and individual performance can lead to historic achievements on the court.
