Tyrese Hailburton's Game 2 Dance In Pacers Vs Cavaliers Prompt NBA Warning | Video

American basketball player Tyrese Haliburton, guard for the Indiana Pacers, has avoided a fine from the National Baskeball Association (NBA) for his postgame celebration after hitting a decisive 3-pointer in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday (May 06). Instead, the league opted to issue only a warning, according to a person familiar with the decision. The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the decision had not yet been announced publicly, confirmed that Haliburton would not face monetary punishment.

Haliburton had anticipated being fined for the gesture, which has previously resulted in disciplinary action from the NBA. After the game, he acknowledged as much: “I've been waiting for that, man,” he said, referring to potential league discipline. “It was just right in the moment. I'll take that fine, gladly.”

The gesture Haliburton used has a history in the league, dating back to Sam Cassell, and has led to fines for players including LeBron James, Julius Randle, Fred VanVleet, and Eddie House, under the NBA’s policy against “obscene gestures.”

Haliburton’s celebration followed his clutch 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining, which capped a 20-point comeback and sealed a 120-119 victory for Indiana. The Pacers now lead the best-of-seven series 2-0, with Games 3 and 4 set for Friday (May 09) and Sunday (May 11) in Indianapolis.

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