Spike Lee to Tyrese Haliburton: “Even today, me and Reggie squashed that shit, it has been squashed. But you, you brought the shit back. We had the thing squashed man; it was dead, and you brought it alive”
Fuck I wish Halli didn’t go down in Game 7. Idk if it changes anything but they were looking good to start the game. He had the choke moment and all and the ring would’ve capped off some story book shit
He had the most 3’s on on the team that game despite only playing one quarter
He was objectively off to a killer game. It was a coin flip gets rings if he doesnt get injured. Was 3⁄4 on 3s, 5 assists and a few field goals as I recall. Dude was cookin.
Kinda hard to shoot 3⁄4 on threes, have 5 assists and a few field goals when the score was tied 16-16 when he went down. He was gonna have a GOAT level performance
3⁄4 on 3s gives them 9 points, a few field goals let’s just be conservative and say that’s 3 so 6 more points, and 5 assists adds at least another 10 points, for a total of 25 points. haliburton contributed 25 points to his team’s 16. the math definitely checks out.
0 assists and 0 2-pointers, also 0 rebounds, 0 steals and 0 blocks. He started hot from 3, but that’s the only thing he had on the box score, other than his 1 turnover. He was -2 +/-.
And they were still down y’all pretend that when a player has a great quarter than means they’ll automatically be hot for the rest of the game when it comes to this situation and that he was destined to carry them to a win literally only because you like the guy and hate on the other team.
We were winning at halftime?
After he went down y’all played harder to not let him down while the other team were the ones who let their foot off the gas more we all saw it in realtime but that gets left out.
“We all saw it” lmao.
You’re actually just a hater. They weren’t even down lol. Haliburton starting off hot would have been huge for the entire teams offense because it opens so much of his playmaking. The game was close even without him going into halftime. It’s not too far of a stretch to say if he didn’t get hurt, they had a good chance at winning.
They weren’t down, but they weren’t really up either. Even with Hali going nuclear, Pacers were only up 1 when he went down. We’ll never know what would’ve happened if he played, but what we DO know is that the Pacers already won that series in 6. Scott Foster is 100% responsible for Haliburton being out for the year.
This is the true hater narrative this sub was hugely bias in one direction no point taking any of your takes seriously all because the platinum golden boy got beat out for an award y’all made an agenda hating on a team that did everything right.
Noone said they wouldn’t but y’all act like it’s a certain fact he would have shot 15 for 19 from 3 for the rest of the game like no player in history has ever had a streaky qtr and yes they were down when he left the game why are you lying it continued to be close up to HT because the air got deflated out of the home team arena while his team played harder to not let him down while the opposition were more unsure of how to act everyone watching the game saw that but make your retroactive narratives.
How am I lying? Go watch the clip. It was 16-16 when he went down. And ok you can make assumptions based on what the other team is thinking, but people can’t make assumptions based on a players actual performance in the game. That makes a lot of sense.
Yes I can report on what we saw happen you can’t report on hypotheticals of what you think would happen that’s exactly how it works despite y’alls best efforts to think another reality into existence the fact you think that doesn’t make sense shows how bias y’all are.
So you’re just going to ignore the fact that you were wrong about the score. I’m sure you’re definitely right about the team in game 7 of the finals not playing hard because the crowd wasn’t into it though.
Nothing I said about the score was wrong but since you want to miss the point here it is again he was scorching and they were just about keeping up but y’all expect that the keep up for the whole game sure and call anyone who says that’s statistically unlikely a hater.
Hali always is though lol
*half a quarter
That’s what’s so painful—we’ll never know. He was so hot to start the game too. Coulda been a legendary ending to a legendary playoff run.
I swear there’s a parallel universe when Hali hits the game winning 3 after a contentious game 7 and is FMVP. Coulda been such a fairytale ending for the underdog Pacers
I’m still erect to this day if I got to witness a FIFTH game winner from Hali in that fashion to get the Pacers their first championship
where i live i cant watch the games live due to timing. so i downloaded them all painstakingly, prepared to watch what i expected would be a grind-out battle to the end
i watched the first three and had a marathon planned for the last few. read what happened to hali and i never watched another. i’m just gutted for all the fans in general and wouldnt be able to enjoy the last 3 now. didnt even bother downloading game 7
edit: i love the immediate downvote for this, yeah god forbid somebody enjoy watching basketball on their own terms, and fuck me for commiserating with all the fans who lost out lmao ok sorry i stand corrected, but that did kinda frustrate me at first
game 4 really screwed them over. yes their offense was stagnant in the 4th but the refs called that game so lopsided from the start. pacers in 6 and hali is never injured
I’ll die on the hill that it should’ve been a 25+ point game at halftime
oh ya. I was at the game and it was eerie. You suddenly started seeing a lot of very bad calls that you could see on replay that I later found out they didnt show on TV.
Scott Foster was calling shooting fouls as fouls on the floor and finally was overruled when Toppin was fouled and the refs made him review it for a flagrant.
The other ref the Pacers were 2-6 when he officiated and in games when I saw him officiating pacers games he always looked angry at him. I bet he’s a knicks fan since he’s from a town near NYC.
SGA got so many bogus FTs that game.
You’re right. They had all the momentum up to then
I was there… pure Scott Foster special in action, a terrible experience
Pacers had every chance to win that game though. I don’t like this argument because their offense really collapsed in that 4th quarter and I feel like that can’t just be brushed over. They only made 4 field goals in the fourth quarter, only one basket in the last 5:00 minutes of regulation, and they scored just one singular point in the last 3:00 minutes of the game. Along with Mathurin going 1⁄4 from the line and committing 2 pretty clear off ball fouls in the last minute of the game. Thats why they lost the game Here’s a video breaking down some of those controversial calls
I don’t really get the whole argument that the league wanted to rig the finals for Oklahoma: the third smallest market in the league. And I don’t really see any well founded evidence of foul play, just people saying “trust me bro.”
Anyone saying the NBA “rigged” the game is being ridiculous. Full stop. There is no shot the NBA put their thumb on the scale for an Oklahoma City championship.
That said, Game 4 was really poorly called. The only reason Mathurin was even in the game for the sequence you’re referencing is because Foster fouled Nesmith out on an SGA pushoff. That’s just a missed call, not a conspiracy, but it was influential.
The sad thing is - and this is not pacer hate at all.
But there’s a good chance that never happens again in his career for the Pacers and Hali - this season and playoff run was such unique time. It’s so hard to get through 3 rounds of playoffs AND get so far vs an elite team.
To go down like that at that point - madness
Believe me, we know.
It is truly sad. It is so difficult to make a run like that as a lower seeded team in a 7 game series. They truly deserved to win and I think the Thunder still get their championship next season. Feel bad for Pacers fans with his injury and then the team letting Turner walk.
I mean, don’t feel too bad for us. It really sucks to fall short like that, but we were the beneficiaries of one of the greatest Cinderella runs in NBA history. That’s going to last in NBA fans’ memories more than many championships do, so still something to be thankful for and celebrate. That’s already a legendary team.
The pacers will be back with an elite clutch shooter in 30 years to break the Knicks hearts and eventually make the finals. It’s prophecy at this point. It’s like the keepers creepers monster.
Hali drained three 3s in that first quarter, it was set to be be another crazy night
Pacers were virtually undefeated when he scored 20+ in the regular season/playoffs. I believe they lost 1 game all season. We all saw how he was playing. We know exactly what happens in that game if he doesn’t get injured, people are just afraid to get downvoted for pointing it out.
The Thunder were still trailing at halftime and looked fairly rattled.
The Pacers absolutely win with Hali on the floor.
They know it too. That whole arena was shook. Yes it was tied when he was hurt but they watched us play that whole series and I know they were terrified of getting boat raced because we were not going to slow down.
Heard. I’ll always remember this pacers team though. A proxy for my grizzlies from back in the day. Hali game winners and that dude hitting like 8 3s in a minute
It’s painful, but Indiana is the new Mutombo Nuggets. The choke celebration will come up forever in playoff highlights.
found the culinary guy lol
It changes everything. They would have won
That moment was so devastating as a neutral, I can’t even imagine how Pacers fans felt.
Yeah I’m not going to lie, I cried a bit.
I hate how we would never know. Rather than losing in a nail biter than for Hali to go down.
Coin flip series with everybody healthy
I 100% believe if he stayed in that game he was going to win it. One of the most disappointing injuries I can remember.
The guy had ice in his veins the entire playoffs, if it came down to a late shot and the ball was in his hands he would have drained it.
Bro who are you telling
It was so good in the moment that I wanted Hali to win, even as a knicks fan. That would’ve been an absolute top playoff run, possibly better than MJ.
It absolutely changes things. Hali’s biggest weakness as a player is giving up too many good looks to feed his teammates. He was living in the moment, you could see it in his eyes that he was gonna win or die trying.
I’ll never get over it
I’m so confident the Pacers would have won that game. I would have bet my life on it. Not even a Pacers fun but Hali going down in G7 killed my love for basketball a little bit. The most heartbreaking moment I’ve ever witnessed in sports.
The Thunder were absolutely screwed if he didn’t tear his Achilles. When he gets hot he stays hot and the entire team feeds off of him.
Knicks brought it back by choking that hard
A choke like that, everything aligned perfectly, with Reggie in the building, he simply had to do it.
It was a ridiculous comeback/choke job and he was absolutely doing the right thing by waiting for that moment and then busting it out. With both Reggie and Spike sitting court side, it was a made for movie moment. Like there’s got to be another 30 for 30 now.
Even Spike Lee as a film director has to admit that was cinematic as fuck.
I don’t think spike was there for that game. He was promoting his movie.
Damn you’re right I don’t know why I thought he was there for sure. Still was a wild ride to watch.
don’t choke on your Aspirations
they were down 3-1, how did they choke?
Game 1 - it was the biggest choke job I’ve ever seen (Knicks fan)
Every eastern conference series the pacers had had a game like that. Was crazy.
It also happened in game 1 vs OKC
what’s so funny was that, everyone was so hyped about the west matchups, but it was the east that m had crazy comeback games.
i remember Richard Jefferson was crazy hyped after Game 1 of the Finals coz it was the first one that he saw live, coz espn was stuck doing broadcast in the west.
plus, it seems the Pacers have revived their old rivalries the past 2 years… holding my breath against Detroit this coming season tho. 😅
It was even more of a choke job than Reggie’s 8 points in less than 10 seconds.
Hot take maybe, but I actually don’t think the Knicks choked. To me, a “choke” is making uncharacteristic mistakes to blow a lead, not just losing a lead generally. The Knicks were still playing pretty good defense and scoring at a reasonable rate. Aaron Nesmith just went on a preposterous heater and Haliburton hit an amazing shot to cap it off.
They were up 14 with 3 minutes left.
They choked Game 1.
Man this rules. More of this is needed in the league. Go ‘Cers and s/o Spike for keeping rivalries fun.
Can’t wait for Paolo and Franz to make a run this year 🥹🤞🏼
My boys Franz/Paolo or Trae/JJ with Cade & co lurking for the right opportunity
Exactly! This is the fun, true rivalry-building energy we need that isn’t about hate but competitive spirit. Need more Spike Lees courtside than Shannon Sharpes to up the true fan energy!
Who the fuck calls the Pacers ‘Cers? Jesus christ.
The Pacers won that championship in my personal record book.
Hang it in the rafters. Indiana Pacers 2024-2025 JigglesTheBiggles NBA Champions.
definitely one of the all time “what if?” teams and a legendary team that got close like the OG Thunder and Harden Rockets, but people act like the eventual champion getting favorable injury luck isn’t a pretty common thing.
the only what if - if the nba called game 4 fairly the pacers win and go up 3-1, close it out in 6. Hali never gets injured too
In fairness, the Pacers won Game 1 on a buzzer beater and probably got the balance of calls in their favor that game. I don’t think relitigating the ref stuff is worthwhile.
Yah did the pacers not get blessed w injuries in the east playoffs too?? lol. Pacers had a great run and were fun team to watch but half the Cavs team was hurt, the Bucks were hurt, and who knows if the Celtics beat the Knicks and then beat the pacers if Tatum is healthy. Was a very unfortunate time for an injury but teams that go deep typically benefit one way or another
who knows if the Celtics beat the Knicks and then beat the pacers if Tatum is healthy.
Celtics were down like 17 pts with 2 mins to go. They weren’t gonna win that game despite Tatum going nuclear and dropping 40 that game. They went down 0-3 and would’ve even if he didn’t get hurt. Boston fans don’t even contest that.
Yeah, if you wanna bring up injuries that contributed to our loss, talk about JB’s nagging injuries and how KP apparently had the plague.
I wonder what possible motivation you have for this narrative spin 😂 The star player of the entire playoffs went down in game 7 after starting red hot, sorry but you’ll always get doubt from fans about your win. Small price to pay considering you won.
I think it’s more sad that the Nuggets with no bench & a 1 armed MPJ (plus AG getting injured game 6) took yall to 7, & then the Grizzlies were super injured
The Mavericks won that championship in 2006 in my personal record book.
Definitely not. Dwade gets 2 rings and 2 finals MVPs in my personal record book for that incredible performance. Closest thing to MJ we’ll ever see.
Same
they would have if not for a crooked called game 4
Man I hope the Pacers and Knicks matchup again in the playoffs once Hali is back
The Haliban and NY go way back
Very good possibility of them matching up this season if preseason predictions hold. Most people have NYK as a top 2 seed and the Pacers as a play-in team w/o Hali
Very true, would still be cool this season without Hali
I hope they match up again this season without Hali.
Good chance, Knicks should be top 4 and you guys should be 4-8
I do not
Knicks won’t be “good” by the time Hali comes back
And let me guess, Jalen duren will be hitting 3s and Jaden Ivey will be an all star next.
Nah 23 needs to go
I think the Knicks will be fine in the near future, all their guys are in their late 20’s so right in their prime.
In 18 months? Knicks will probably have the exact same team all in their primes still
I dont think Hali will take 8 years to come back
brunsoncrossoverthree.gif
Haha Spike cutting him off at the end with just laughter.. 😆 Reggie looked right at the camera!!
As much as I hate to admit it, the NBA is more fun when the Knicks are relevant
It is fun. Between Trae Young and Halliburton, the Knicks seem to create super villains.
I love Hali man so inspirational
Got a funny feeling that the Pacers might not beat the Knicks this season.
I mean no shit? No hali, no turner.
I want you to know this comment is going on Bennedict Mathurin’s locker.
So devastating he’s out this whole season. No chance at keeping that momentum. It will be crazy if he just comes back next year has another historic season and actually wins tho 🤞
A 7-2 upset (Pacers over Knicks in round 1) would be the greatest possible outcome as far as I’m concerned.
can’t wait for the first round to be bo13
I was referring to the seeding.
We are going to be much better than people expect.
People forget we have like 10+ solid rotation players not including Hali and Myles
I mean Spike is like the number 1 fan of the Knicks. The years of suffering this man endured is crazy.
It’s a tough situation with Haliburton (Tatum too). It’s a long road back and few have come back to the same level they were at before injury.
Not gonna lie, thought this was a Blippi NBA crossover for a sec
Perfect answer that it was because Reggie was in the building
Yall hate Hali or Trae more?
The Trae stuff is more annoying because his entire reputation is floating on a playoff series from 5 years ago as he goes to war with the Chicago Bulls for the 9th seed every year like the little play-in demon that he is. I respect Haliburton more.
Last 25 years ECF appearances
Knicks : 1
Trae young: 1
Congrats to them.
Queue the “what he say fuck me for” from Bulls fans
Nobody hates the Bulls more than Bulls fans, they’ll be aight.
Factual and deserved.
Nah we hate you more
Knicks hate the Lakers? lol for what
Nah we hate you . Swizz
Well that’s just weird
Hali has a feud with the Knicks, Trae has a feud with the fanbase.
Haha fair enough
Feels like lots of Knicks fans like Trae though, he treats the fanbase like New Yorkers treat New Yorkers, and enjoys the feud, so does the fanbase. At least that’s how I see both of you as an outsider all the way from Sweden.
I’m personally a big fan of Trae and the Hawks in general. The NBA scriptwriters should know that Trae/KP at MSG in the ECF is the best possible outcome this spring.
Spike Lee is a shitty director.
You mean you didn’t like NBA 2K16 Presents: Livin’ Da Dream, A Spike Lee Joint?
Swear to god that was the last time I ever played NBA 2K. So awful.
Yeah. Well I’m still emotional about it
You unzipped me, it’s all coming back you understand!
Spike talking looking like a 🤡🤡
Spike just go away
Knicks bring it back every year they try to content… trae young bowed them out and rolled the dice on them too
Nah it’s cause Reggie was in the buildAAAGHNYAAAHHAHAHAHAHA