Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

“I Might’ve Wasted It” – Tyrese Haliburton Explains Hilarious, Premature Choke Celebration Against the Knicks

Tyrese Haliburton's choke celebration sparked laughs and confusion after a misjudged two-pointer

Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Wednesday night’s Knicks vs. Pacers clash delivered one of the wildest playoff finishes of the season, and Tyrese Haliburton was at the heart of it. Haliburton once again proved his clutch play that helped Indiana Pacers avoid a close loss at the Madison Square Garden.

Pacers who were trailing with just few minutes to go in the fourth quarter completed a clutch comeback. And in the middle of it was Tyrese Haliburton. The 25-year-old leveled the score with the last action of the regular time. Though, Tyrese attempted a three pointer, but officials later confirmed it as a two pointer.

Haliburton’s foot was barely on the line, turning what looked like a three from the stands into a confirmed two. All the Indiana Pacers’ players celebrated the win running on the court. Haliburton celebrated like it was over, flashing Reggie Miller’s iconic choke taunt only to find out the game wasn’t done yet.

OMG pic.twitter.com/Ha5pjlawk7
— Gonzalo Vázquez (@GVazquezNY) May 22, 2025

Also Read: “Greatest Comeback Team”— Caitlin Clark Drops All-Caps Love for Pacers, After Haliburton Stun Knicks in OT

The infamous Choke celebration is attached to Reggie Miller. Given the circumstances of the Knicks vs. Pacers game, Tyrese Haliburton performed the signature celebration too early. However, in the end, the premature move didn’t come to bite the Pacers.

Reggie Miller Taunt, Too Soon

After playing hero again, Haliburton addressed the media and set the record straight on his celebration gaffe. He reflected on the outcome of the Wednesday match but more importantly Tyrese clarified on his infamous choke celebration during the regular time.

He said, “If I would’ve known it was a two, I would not have done it. I might have wasted it. If I do it again, people might say I’m aura farming. I don’t plan on using it again.” Tyrese Haliburton first thought it was a three pointer hence a winner but later realized his foot was still on the line while making the clutch shot.

With the game one win, the Indiana Pacers have momentum on their side. The New York Knicks are stunned as they had the game comfortably within their grasps. But their fourth quarter debacle cost them big so far.