Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] The NBA appears willing to let Tyrese Haliburton enjoy his big moment without majorconsequences.
According to ESPN, the league has opted not to fine the Indiana Pacers star for his use of a banned celebration after hitting the game-winning shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this week. Instead, Haliburton received only a warning from the league office.
Haliburton was the hero of Tuesday’s Game 2 in Cleveland, sinking a step-back three-pointer in the final seconds after grabbing his own missed free throw to seal a 120-119 victory.
Following the shot, he celebrated with the infamous “big balls” dance — a move popularized by Sam Cassell and one that has routinely resulted in fines from the NBA.
Given the league’s history of disciplining players for that exact celebration — even stars like LeBron James haven’t been exempt — fans fully expected Haliburton to be fined.
The two-time All-Star even acknowledged that reality, saying postgame, “I’ll take that fine, gladly.”
However, the NBA may have considered Haliburton’s previously clean disciplinary record. Aside from automatic technical foul fines, he’s never been fined or suspended in his five-year career, according to Spotrac.
With the Pacers now up 2-0 in the series and heading home for Game 3, Haliburton’s clutch shot and light disciplinary outcome only add to the positive momentum surrounding Indiana’s playoff run.