For years, Damian Lillard has famously tapped his wrist after a clutch basket, signalling to the crowd and his opponents that it’s “Dame Time.”
On Thursday, however, Tyrese Haliburton appeared to mock Lillard’s signature celebration as he stared at his right wrist moments after delivering the knockout blow to the Milwaukee Bucks’ In-Season Tournament hopes.
The Indiana Pacers star’s gesture left Lillard with mixed feelings postgame.
“For as many times as I’ve done it to people, I can’t be upset when somebody else does it … I think that’s also a sign of respect and acknowledgement for knowing my history and knowing what I do,” Lillard told reporters postgame, courtesy of FanDuel’s Rob Lopez.
“I didn’t mind it. It was what it was. I also know that … it’s important to be careful and to be humble when you’re having your moment because you just never know how the tables turn and when they’re going to turn.”
Haliburton denied that his actions were premeditated.
“I think it was just in the heat of the moment. Just having fun,” Haliburton said. “I know I kind of pounded my chest and said, ‘It’s my time or whatever.’ But I think really looking at it, it’s our time. It’s our time as a group and we’re playing the right way. And like I said, we’re shocking the world right now.
“We’re gonna continue to do that. And as long as we play the right way, we know we’re gonna be in every basketball game. And we have a lot of confidence within ourselves.”
Haliburton had another show-stopping performance in the semifinal round, tallying 27 points, 15 assists, seven boards, and one block. That comes on the heels of the first triple-double of his career during Tuesday’s quarterfinal victory over the Boston Celtics.
It’s the second time Haliburton has registered at least 50 points and 25 assists over a two-game span without committing a turnover. He’s the only player in NBA history to accomplish the feat across a pair of contests, according to StatMuse.
Indiana has won three straight games and now sits fifth in the East with a 12-8 record.
