Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyrese Haliburton. Photo:
Patrick Smith/Getty; Michael Hickey/Getty
Giannis Antetokounmpo criticized John Haliburton, the father of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, and called him “disrespectful” after an on-court altercation following the Milwaukee Bucks’ season-ending loss Tuesday, April 29.
The incident occurred moments after the game, which ended after Haliburton dropped a go-ahead layup with 1.3 seconds left to help lift the Pacers over the Bucks, 119-118. The result eliminated Milwaukee and Antetokounmpo, 30, from the NBA Playoffs and sent Haliburton, 25, and the Pacers to the second round.
Haliburton’s father John appeared to rush the court shortly after the final buzzer and repeatedly waved a flag depicting his son’s face in front of Antetokounmpo. Haliburton’s father also reportedly swore at the Bucks forward a number of times during the exchange, according to ESPN.
Moments later, Antetokounmpo confronted Haliburton’s father and appeared to put his forehead on Haliburton’s father’s forehead as the two shared words. They were ultimately separated, and Antetokounmpo was asked about the incident after the game, according to video of the incident shared online by former ESPN analyst and retired NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III.
“I believe in being humble in victory,” Antetokounmpo told reporters. “A lot of people out there that are like, no, when you win the game, you talk s— and it’s a green light for you to be disrespectful towards somebody else. I disagree.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo. Justin Casterline/Getty
Antetokounmpo clarified that he respected Haliburton and understood Haliburton’s father being proud of his buzzer-beating moment, but said he didn’t understand Haliburton’s father’s actions towards him.
The two-time NBA MVP went on to compare Haliburton’s father’s actions with his own late father’s demeanor, which he categorized as humble and respectful towards others.
Haliburton also spoke out about the incident after the game, telling reporters he didn’t “agree” with his father’s actions.
“Basketball is basketball and let’s keep it on the court,” Haliburton said. “I think he just got excited, saw his son make a game winner and came on the court, but we had a conversation.”
Tyrese Haliburton. Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty
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The Pacers star said his dad “needs to just allow me to play basketball and stay over there and I’ll come to him to celebrate.”
“But the emotions of the game got excited there,” Haliburton added. “I talked with him. I’ll talk with Giannis. I don’t think my pops was in the right at all there.”
John Haliburton later apologized on social media, saying his decision to taunt Antetokounmpo “was not a good reflection on our sport or my son and I will not make that mistake again.”
