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[Saba Sports News] An Indiana Pacers fan who faced verbal and physical harassment in New York recently got the ultimate show of support from his favorite team.
Earlier this month, a video went viral showing a Pacers fan wearing a Tyrese Haliburton jersey being heckled by a group of Knicks fans in New York City. The group, celebrating the Knicks’ playoff win over the Celtics, threw full bags of trash at the fan and chased him down the street. The incident sparked outrage online.
Pat McAfee later identified the fan as Hans Perez, a firefighter. Perez was invited onto The Pat McAfee Show, where he was joined by Haliburton himself. During the appearance, Haliburton promised to fly Perez and a guest to Indianapolis for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Pacers and Knicks.
The Pacers delivered in more ways than one. Perez arrived in Indianapolis to a hero’s welcome, complete with an airport reception and a ride to his hotel in a fire truck.
Indiana capped the feel-good moment with a statement win on the court. Haliburton led the Pacers to a 130-121 victory over New York on Tuesday night, putting the team up 3-1 in the series. He finished with a monster stat line: 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 15 assists.
While Haliburton was momentarily confused by a late-game decision from head coach Rick Carlisle, the outcome left little to question. And for Perez, what started as an ugly encounter in New York turned into an unforgettable moment of recognition and support from the Pacers.