On Tuesday, the main storyline in Indiana wasn’t Tyrese Haliburton hitting a game-winner to lift his team past the Milwaukee Bucks. Instead, it was Haliburton's father confronting Giannis Antetokounmpo—stealing the spotlight from his son on what should have been a special night. In fact, few people were happy about it.
Haliburton’s father has since issued an apology to Antetokounmpo for his actions following the end of the series.
“I sincerely apologize to Giannis, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Pacers organization for my actions following tonight's game," Haliburton wrote. "This was not a good reflection on our sport or my son and I will not make that mistake again.”
While the apology was the right move, it didn’t shield him from criticism. Several prominent voices, including his own son, have spoken out against his behavior.
“I had no idea it happened until I got back to the locker room and they showed me the video of my pops,” Haliburton said. “We had a little talk about it. I don’t agree with what transpired there. I think basketball is basketball and let’s keep it on the court. I think he just got excited.”
Stephen A. Smith also criticized Haliburton’s father, saying this isn’t the first time people have had issues with him over the years.
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But it was Charles Barkley’s comments that truly stood out—highlighting how badly things could have gone if Giannis had reacted differently.
“Giannis is one of my favorite players. He became more of one of my favorite players last night because ain't no way in the h*lll I wouldn't have clocked him,” Barkley told Dan Patrick.
Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee is now uncertain after yet another early playoff exit. Some have even urged him to consider joining the Lakers this offseason. Barkley’s right—Giannis showed a lot of restraint by keeping things verbal when the situation could have easily escalated. It’s shaping up to be a long offseason for the Bucks star.