The incident took place shortly after the game, when Haliburton made a game-winning layup with 1.3 seconds left, securing a 119-118 victory for the Pacers and eliminating the Bucks from the NBA Playoffs. The win advanced Haliburton and the Pacers to the second round.
John Haliburton appeared to rush the court immediately after the buzzer, waving a flag with his son's face in front of Antetokounmpo. He also reportedly directed profanity at the Bucks forward during the exchange, according to ESPN.
Antetokounmpo confronted Haliburton's father shortly afterward, seemingly pressing his forehead against his as they exchanged words. The two were separated, and Antetokounmpo spoke to reporters about the incident in a video shared by former ESPN analyst and retired NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III.
"I believe in being humble in victory," Antetokounmpo said. "A lot of people think that when you win, it gives you a free pass to talk trash and be disrespectful. I disagree." He clarified that while he respected Tyrese Haliburton and understood his father's pride in the buzzer-beater, he didn't agree with the way John Haliburton acted toward him.
The two-time NBA MVP went on to compare John Haliburton's behavior to the humility and respect shown by his late father.
Tyrese Haliburton also addressed the incident, telling reporters he didn't support his father's actions.
"Basketball is basketball; let's keep it on the court," he said. "I think he got excited, saw his son hit the game-winner, and came onto the court, but we had a conversation." The Pacers star added that his father "needs to let me play basketball and stay on the sidelines, and I'll come to him to celebrate."
"The emotions of the game got the best of him," Haliburton continued. "I talked to him, and I'll talk to Giannis. I don't think my pops was in the right there."
John Haliburton later apologized on social media, admitting that his behavior was "not a good reflection on our sport or my son" and promising not to repeat the mistake.
