Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton missed the entire 2025-26 NBA season, watching from the sidelines as the New York Knicks captured the NBA championship.
Two weeks after the Knicks ended their long title drought, Haliburton finally offered a brief reaction to their championship run, and his comments quickly triggered buzz across the NBA world.
How Pacers Guard Tyrese Haliburton Reacted to the Knicks’ Historic Title
The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the 2026 NBA Finals, ending a historic 53-year title drought.
They finished the regular season 53-29 and put together one of the most dominant playoff stretches in NBA history.
Saturday was the first time that fans got Haliburton’s reaction to his rival team’s success. Reporters caught up with the Pacers star, where more than 300 campers had an action-packed day on the court.
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When Haliburton was asked his thoughts on the Knicks winning the championship, he had a three-word answer.
“Good for them,” he remarked.
The answer quickly triggered reactions across social media, as many interpreted it as a sign that he wasn’t thrilled about seeing one of Indiana’s biggest rivals lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
“HES FUMING,” one user said.
HES FUMING 😭😭😭
— ۟ (@knicksruinedme) June 27, 2026
“Sick to his stomach,” a user wrote.
Sick to his stomach 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/NYloZHmkbQ
— Skok 🎸 (@SkokGambles) June 28, 2026
Haliburton’s restrained reaction was likely more about the fierce rivalry between the Pacers and Knicks than any personal resentment.
Indiana eliminated New York in Game 7 of the 2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals before defeating the Knicks once again in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals.
Haliburton remained respectful, but his distant tone reflected the mindset of a highly competitive player who had spent the previous two postseasons celebrating playoff victories over the Knicks on their home court.
His own circumstances also played a major role, as he suffered a devastating torn Achilles tendon, which forced him to miss the entire 2025-26 campaign.
Without Haliburton, the Pacers struggled throughout the season, leaving the East wide open for New York’s championship breakthrough.
Meanwhile, some also noticed Haliburton appeared emotional during the interview, with several mockingly stating that he looked close to tears.
“Homie looks like he’s about to cry lmao,” a fan said.
Homie looks like he’s about to cry lmao 🤣
— TheRealAM (@OhhSheetAM) June 28, 2026
“Crying man. Knicks winning the championship got him so heated he can’t even speak,” a user said.
Reporters at the camp also pressed Haliburton on whether he had reached out to New York’s star player and reigning Finals MVP, Jalen Brunson.
Haliburton admitted he hadn’t texted Brunson but did reach out to another member of the Knicks’ core, Mikal Bridges.
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As for Haliburton’s health, he provided an encouraging update.
With more than three months remaining before the start of the 2026-27 NBA season in October, he said he finally feels like a “healthy NBA player” again and is no longer dealing with any medical restrictions as he prepares for training camp.