Pacers Advance as Postgame Incident Sparks Debate

The Indiana Pacers advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals with a 119-118 overtime win over the Milwaukee Bucks, secured by Tyrese Haliburton's last-second layup. Postgame celebrations were disrupted when Haliburton's father, John, confronted Giannis Antetokounmpo on the court, waving a towel bearing his son's image and exchanging heated words, an act Giannis described as 'very disrespectful.' Tyrese Haliburton publicly condemned his father's behavior, stating it was inappropriate, and John Haliburton issued an apology to Giannis, the Bucks, and the Pacers, acknowledging his actions were a poor reflection on the game and his son. The incident has sparked a wider NBA discussion about sportsmanship and acceptable fan conduct. Giannis posted a triple-double in the loss, and the Pacers rallied from a 20-point deficit to advance to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Bucks now enter another uncertain offseason after a third consecutive first-round playoff exit.