Overview

• John Haliburton mocked Knicks fans with a choke gesture at an Indianapolis venue after the Pacers' dramatic Game 1 overtime victory in the Eastern Conference Finals.
• The celebration mirrored his son Tyrese Haliburton's on-court gesture after hitting a buzzer-beater to force overtime, paying homage to Reggie Miller's iconic taunts of the Knicks.
• Haliburton remains barred from attending Pacers games due to his earlier confrontation with Giannis Antetokounmpo during the first round of the playoffs.
• Charles Barkley and others have publicly urged the Pacers and NBA to lift the ban, arguing that John Haliburton has apologized and served sufficient punishment.
• The Pacers' Game 1 win, highlighted by a nine-point comeback in the final minute of regulation, has positioned them as favorites to advance to the NBA Finals.