The NBA playoffs are known for their intensity, but the clash between Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and John Haliburton, father of Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, added an unexpected layer of drama to the postseason.
The incident unfolded after the Pacers’ thrilling 119-118 overtime victory in Game 5, which eliminated the Bucks and advanced Indiana to the second round.
The tension began when Haliburton’s father approached Antetokounmpo on the court, waving a towel emblazoned with Tyrese’s face and shouting provocative remarks. Giannis, initially mistaking him for a fan, later realized the connection and expressed his frustration.
“Coming to me and disrespecting me and cursing at me is totally unacceptable,” Antetokounmpo said postgame.
The altercation escalated to a heated verbal exchange, with the two standing forehead-to-forehead before being separated by players and security.
Great look at Tyrese Haliburton’s dad coming at Giannis with some bullshit after the game. Incredible restraint from Giannis. pic.twitter.com/tvXoeoNgko
— Badger Steve 🧀🍺🦌 (@UW_Steve) April 30, 2025
Giannis and Tyrese Haliburton’s father exchange words.
(via @MrBuckBuckNBA)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 30, 2025
Tyrese Haliburton addressed the incident afterward, acknowledging his father’s actions were inappropriate and promising to speak with Giannis to clear the air.
“I don’t think that my pops was in the right at all there. … We will have a conversation and I’ll talk to Giannis it’s unfortunate we’re all grown men.”
“I don’t think that my pops was in the right at all there. … We will have a conversation and I’ll talk to Giannis it’s unfortunate we’re all grown men.”
Tyrese Haliburton on the confrontation his dad had with Giannis following Pacers-Buckspic.twitter.com/NJfCnPEfUR
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) April 30, 2025
Antetokounmpo spoke at length about the incident, reflecting on his upbringing and the values instilled in him by his late father, Charles.
“You know, my dad… he was the most respectful person ever. He taught me to be humble in everything I do,” Giannis shared.
He contrasted his father’s humility with the behavior he encountered from Haliburton’s father, emphasizing that respect should be upheld in both victory and defeat.
Giannis also expressed disappointment in how the situation unfolded, stating,
“Losing the game, emotions run high. Having a fan—which at the moment I thought was a fan—but then I realized it was Tyrese’s dad, coming onto the floor and showing me a towel with his son’s face, saying ‘This is what we do. This is what we (expletive) do.’ I feel like that’s very, very disrespectful”.
Giannis addresses his postgame confrontation with Tyrese Haliburton’s dad pic.twitter.com/yhIcDT34dT
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 30, 2025
The Bucks’ season ended on a sour note, compounded by Damian Lillard’s Achilles injury and questions about Giannis’ future with the franchise. Meanwhile, the Pacers celebrated their hard-fought win, with Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning layup serving as the highlight of the series.
