The Indiana Pacers clinched a dramatic 119-118 overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 29, ending the Bucks’ season and advancing to the second round. However, the game’s thrilling conclusion was overshadowed by heated postgame altercations involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyrese Haliburton’s father, John Haliburton, and Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin.
A Game-Winning Layup Sparks Drama
Tyrese Haliburton sealed the Pacers’ victory with a clutch layup over Giannis, finishing with 26 points and nine assists. The Bucks score reflected a valiant effort, with Giannis posting a triple-double of 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 13 assists. Despite leading by seven points late in overtime, Milwaukee collapsed, allowing Indiana to steal the game and the series, 4-1.
Emotions ran high after the final buzzer. Bennedict Mathurin and Giannis engaged in a physical confrontation at midcourt, with Mathurin shoving the Bucks star after a heated exchange. The incident required intervention from players and staff to separate the two.
John Haliburton’s Confrontation with Giannis
The most talked-about moment came when John Haliburton, Tyrese’s father, approached Giannis on the court. According to reports, John Haliburton waved a towel featuring his son’s face and used profane language, taunting Giannis with phrases like “This is what we do.” Giannis, visibly upset, later called the actions “very disrespectful,” emphasizing his belief in humility in victory.
Tyrese Haliburton addressed the incident, stating he was unaware of his father’s actions until seeing the video afterward. “I don’t think my pops was in the right at all there,” Haliburton said, adding that he plans to speak with Giannis to clear the air. John Haliburton issued a public apology on X, saying, “I sincerely apologize to Giannis, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Pacers organization for my actions following tonight’s game.”
Shaquille O’Neal’s Surprising Take
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal weighed in on the controversy during TNT’s Inside the NBA postgame show. Surprisingly, O’Neal suggested that Giannis may have initiated the conflict by saying something to John Haliburton. “Giannis shouldn’t have said anything to him,” O’Neal stated, sparking debate among analysts and fans. This perspective contrasted with the widely reported narrative that John Haliburton provoked the Bucks star unprompted.
Fan and Media Reactions
The incidents dominated discussions on social media, with some fans calling for John Haliburton to be banned from courtside seats for the remainder of the playoffs. ESPN’s Myron Medcalf echoed this sentiment, stating, “You gotta treat him like a regular fan who crossed the line.” Others defended Haliburton’s father, citing the emotional intensity of the moment. The NBA scores yesterday took a backseat to the off-court drama, with the Giannis Haliburton dad confrontation trending widely.
What’s Next for the Pacers and Bucks?
The Pacers now advance to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round, buoyed by Haliburton’s heroics. Meanwhile, the Bucks face a critical offseason, with questions swirling about Giannis’s future after three consecutive first-round exits. The Giannis Haliburton dad incident and the scuffle with Mathurin may fuel an even fiercer rivalry when the teams meet again next season.
For the latest NBA scores yesterday and updates, visit the official NBA website. Stay tuned for developments on any potential disciplinary actions from the league regarding the postgame altercations.