Pacers Eliminate Bucks in OT Thriller and Giannis Confronts Haliburton’s Father Immediately After
Last night, the Indiana Pacers closed out their first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks with a dramatic 119-118 overtime win in Game 5 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers advanced 4-1 to face the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Missing All-Star guard Damian Lillard due to injury, the Bucks made key lineup adjustments, inserting Bobby Portis, AJ Green, and Kevin Porter Jr. into the starting five. Despite these changes, Milwaukee pushed Indiana to the brink in a game that featured multiple lead changes and emotional swings.
Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a heroic triple-double performance with 30 points and 20 rebounds, keeping the Bucks alive until the final seconds. Tyrese Haliburton countered with 26 points and 10 assists, maintaining his undefeated record at home in playoff games (9-0).
Haliburton’s Game-Winner and Late Collapse
In a game defined by momentum shifts, the Bucks held a seven-point lead in the final minute of overtime. However, two critical turnovers by Gary Trent Jr. allowed the Pacers to rally. Haliburton’s clutch layup with just 1.3 seconds remaining gave Indiana the lead for good.
The loss marked a disappointing end to the Bucks’ season, made more painful by the emotional breakdown that followed. Making it even more painful is that Milwaukee finds themselves eliminated by the Pacers in the first round for the second straight season. In addition, it’s their third straight first round elimination.
Not only are the Bucks reeling from the Game 5 home loss, but also playoff stagnation. The primary reason Milwaukee traded for Damian Lillard was to return them to championship contention. Initially, the plan was to form a trio with Giannis and Khris Middleton. But Giannis’ longtime sidekick has since been traded to the Wizards.
Milwaukee, meanwhile, has another first round playoff loss at the hands of Haliburton and the Pacers.
The Confrontation: Giannis vs. John Haliburton
Following the final buzzer, the post-game atmosphere turned hostile. Giannis Antetokounmpo was seen engaged in a heated confrontation with Tyrese Haliburton’s father, John Haliburton. According to multiple reports and video captured by MrBuckBuckNBA and shared by Hoop Central on X, John approached Giannis courtside waving a custom flag with Tyrese’s image on it.
He reportedly taunted Giannis with phrases like, “This is what we do!” prompting a visibly angry Antetokounmpo to confront him. Staffers and security rushed in to defuse the moment as other players looked on.
The incident immediately went viral, with fans debating whether Giannis overreacted or was justified in defending his pride after a crushing playoff defeat.
Of course, Giannis had more to say about this confrontation. He would get his chance to during the postgame presser.
Giannis Responds: “I Felt Disrespected”
In his post-game press comments, Giannis addressed the altercation:
“I felt disrespected. Losing a game like that, emotions run high. I believe in being humble, win or lose. We talked afterward and we’re in a good place now.”
His remarks indicated that while the encounter was intense, both parties ultimately found common ground.
For Giannis, this isn’t just the loss of the game. It’s also the ending of the Bucks’ season. Additionally, this is their second consecutive first round playoff loss to the Pacers. Compounding on all of it, the Bucks have lost in the first round for the third straight year.
Now, there are NBA rumors swirling about Giannis’ future with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Tyrese Disapproves of His Father’s Behavior
While Haliburton was the hero on the court, off the court he was quick to distance himself from his father’s actions. Tyrese made it clear he did not condone the behavior:
“I don’t think my pops was in the right at all there. We’ll have a conversation.”
His response was praised by some as mature and professional, particularly in contrast to the chaotic situation.
Tyrese Haliburton is one of the most promising young stars in the league. Both on and off the court, he’s become a fan favorite. So, his father’s acting out is something Haliburton was quick to distance himself from and to confront. Ultimately, cooler heads prevailed in that situation.
For Haliburton, the Pacers, and his dad, they’re headed to Cleveland. There, they will be playing the team with the East’s best record in the second round. Meanwhile, Giannis and the Bucks are entering an offseason where decisions will be made.
Social Media Reacts: Divided Opinions
Fan reactions to the footage were polarizing. Some criticized Giannis for engaging with a spectator, even if it was a player’s parent. Others felt John Haliburton crossed a line and Giannis had every right to respond.
“Why’s Giannis arguing with a senior citizen?”
“Haliburton’s dad taunting Giannis like he just played 48 minutes. SMH.”
“Giannis showed restraint. Most players wouldn’t have walked away.”
Emotional End to a Gritty Series
The series, though short at 4-1, was hard-fought and emotionally charged. The Pacers averaged 117.5 PPG to the Bucks’ 108.3 PPG across five games, with Haliburton consistently shining. Milwaukee’s late-game meltdown and the emotional aftermath underscored the pressure and volatility of playoff basketball.
For the Bucks, it’s another early playoff exit, and questions will surround both roster construction and coaching going forward. For the Pacers, the Haliburton-Giannis drama only adds to the energy and confidence as they prepare for their clash with the Cavaliers.
Final Thoughts
The Game 5 showdown between the Pacers and Bucks was more than just a basketball game—it became a moment of raw emotion, family pride, and sportsmanship under fire. Giannis’ post-game confrontation with John Haliburton, while quickly resolved, will remain one of the lasting images of the 2025 NBA Playoffs first round.
Each season, the NBA Playoffs opens up another storyline. One key moment of this year’s playoff run for the Pacers will be this moment. In addition, this moment will showcase the dysfunction that was the 2025 season for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Whether you view the altercation as justified frustration or a lack of composure, one thing is clear: the playoffs bring out passion in players, fans, and families alike. And sometimes, that passion spills beyond the court.
