Tyrese Haliburton’s girlfriend, Jade Jones, is all in on Pacers pride-and she’s letting the world know.
As the NBA Finals shift to Indianapolis for a pivotal Game 3, the city has gone all-out to rally behind its team. The most buzzworthy move? Temporarily renaming the streets surrounding Gainbridge Fieldhouse after current Pacers players, including “Haliburton Road,” “Turner Lane,” “Bryant Boulevard,” and “Toppin Ave.”
Jones was so touched by the tribute to her superstar boyfriend that she reposted the team’s announcement to Instagram, admitting she was left speechless by the emotional gesture. And she’s not alone-Pacers fans are loving every second of the city’s gold-drenched Finals fever, marking their first NBA Finals appearance in over 25 years.
But while Indiana is soaking up the love, not everyone is cheering.
Knicks fans are up in arms
Knicks fans have taken to social media to accuse the Pacers of copying a move they say they originated. During New York’s playoff run-ironically against Indiana-Madison Square Garden and its surroundings were decked out with renamed streets celebrating Knicks players.
According to their loyal fanbase, Indiana’s tribute is just a “knockoff” of their own idea. Still, the timing feels different. The Pacers are hosting the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000, while the Knicks made their gesture after just two series wins.
And given that Indiana knocked New York out of the playoffs, some fans are speculating the backlash is more about revenge than originality.
Indianapolis only cares that they are in the final
No matter the drama, one thing is clear: Indianapolis is locked in. After Haliburton’s buzzer-beater in Game 1 and OKC’s dominant Game 2 response, the series is tied 1-1 and heading into what could be two season-defining matchups.
Game 3 tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET Wednesday at a Gainbridge Fieldhouse that’s quite literally got Haliburton’s name on it.
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