Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton used Milwaukee Bucks superstar Damian Lillard’s “Dame Time” celebration after hitting a dagger 3-pointer in the semifinals of the NBA’s In-Season Tournament.
After the game, Lillard said he had no problem with Haliburton using the celebration. However, he did send a warning.
Haliburton, who grew up north of Milwaukee, said much of his drive comes from his admiration of Lillard.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks, Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers Updates
“I think competing is fun at the end of the day,” Haliburton told ESPN. “There was banter between us and them the whole game and that’s just part of the competition. I’ve got so much respect for those guys. Part of the reason I wear zero is Damian Lillard, you know what I mean? Just going out there and competing. … That’s my hometown team. So the opportunity to get to compete against them … it means the world. It’s just a lot of fun to be out there competing.”
Haliburton went off against the Bucks, finishing with 27 points, seven rebounds and 15 assists while shooting 11-of-19 from the field, 3-of-9 from beyond the arc and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line. The All-Star point guard has firmly established himself as a superstar.
Haliburton is now averaging 26.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 12.1 assists on the season for the Pacers. The 23-year-old, who is shooting 52.5% from the floor, 44.1% from 3 and 88.4% from the foul line, received major praise from Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks, Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers Updates
“I believed my whole life that your point guard is your pace, and with the pace that your point guard plays, that’s the pace that the team plays, and he plays at an incredible pace,” Antetokounmpo said. “He plays fast, quick when he needs to. When we went to zone, he kind of slowed down and all of his team slowed down and got to their spots. Whenever he rebounds the ball, he always looks for outlets and puts — gets his teammates involved early in the game or early in the offense. So, as I said, you’ve got to tip the hat. He’s a great player.”
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
