Tyrese Haliburton delivered another defining moment in his postseason career on Tuesday night, sinking a game-winning three-pointer to lift the Indiana Pacers to a 120-119 road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But it was not just his clutch shooting that garnered attention – it was also his post-shot celebration, which could now subject him to a fine from the NBA.
Immediately after his decisive basket with 1.1 seconds remaining, Haliburton mimicked the well-known “Big Balls” dance, a gesture long banned by the league due to its explicit nature.
The celebration, which was originally made popular in basketball by Sam Cassell, and later replicated by stars such as LeBron James, has routinely drawn financial penalties from the league office.
James was fined $15,000 for performing the same gesture in 2021 during a game in Indianapolis.
Haliburton appeared unfazed by the potential consequences, telling reporters, “I’ve been waiting for that, man. It was just right in the moment. I’ll take that fine gladly.”
Haliburton’s heroics and history-making performance
The celebration followed a performance that once again confirmed Haliburton’s status as one of the NBA’s rising postseason performers.
He finished the night with 19 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, and orchestrated a dramatic comeback for Indiana, who trailed by as many as 20 points.
It was his second late-game winner of the 2024 postseason, following a buzzer-beater that eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks in the opening round.
Indiana’s comeback was sparked when Andrew Nembhard intercepted a late inbounds pass from Cleveland’s Max Strus, setting the stage for Haliburton to draw a foul on a drive, split a pair of free throws, grab his own rebound, and drill a game-winning shot from beyond the arc.
Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith led the Pacers with 23 points apiece, as Indiana took a commanding 2-0 series lead with the Eastern Conference semifinal now shifting to Indianapolis.
This marks the first time since 1994 that the Pacers have won the first two games of a playoff series on the road.
Haliburton’s celebration received mixed reactions. While it drew playful criticism online – with some fans pointing to the likely fine – the moment also generated widespread support from high-profile athletes.
Patrick Mahomes posted “Wow!!” in reaction to the game-winner, and Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft and star of Indiana Fever, wrote on X, “TY!!!!!!!! WHAT A WIN !!!!!! @Pacers.”
The NBA has not yet announced disciplinary action, but precedent suggests Haliburton will face a financial penalty in line with previous fines for the same gesture.
While the dance has been celebrated culturally and humorously by fans, the league has maintained its stance against the move, citing professionalism and broadcast standards.
Haliburton, however, seemed unconcerned about any incoming fine. His actions – both the shot and the celebration – may cost him, but they have undeniably raised his profile and energized a Pacers team that now finds itself in a commanding position
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