After stealing Game 1 in Madison Square Garden behind Tyrese Haliburton’s 31 points and deeply personal dagger threes, the Pacers returned for Game 2 and did it again. This time, without needing Haliburton to be a hero. Indy took it 114–109, thanks to Pascal Siakam’s 39, Myles Turner’s 16, and a defense that somehow made Jalen Brunson (36 points) look… contained.

And the secret weapon in all of this? Not scheme. Neither stats. Not even the midrange. It’s family. Tyrese Haliburton turned the postgame set into a family affair—on live TV. “Free Pops till it’s backwards,” he declared with a sly grin, while Charles Barkley nearly fell out of his chair screaming and laughing, “Free, free your dad!!” And the Haliburton family group chat? Probably lit.

John, for those catching up, is no ordinary basketball dad. He’s a longtime referee, a former women’s basketball coach, and someone who knows better than anyone what it means to mess with basketball energy. And the Pacers? They’re up 2-0. Coincidence? Maybe. But in playoff basketball, rituals matter, especially when you’re rolling.

And Hali? He’s leaning in. Asking for his dad to come through for Game 3 in MSG, again. But the joke landed because fans know how sports families operate. The minute something’s working, you don’t touch it. You don’t even breathe near it.

But why is Tyrese’s Pop absent from the games, when he’s evidently his boy’s biggest fan? After a heated courtside clash with Giannis in the first round vs the Bucks, he was banned from attending games this postseason, meaning no Pops in the stands for now. The Haliburton family and Pacers fans are holding their breath, hoping their unofficial good-luck charm doesn’t stay sidelined for long. “Free Pops” has gone from a joke to a serious plea as the Pacers chase history.

Looking ahead at the Game 3 showdown and what’s on the line for Tyrese Haliburton & Co. and the Knicks

And well, does Tyrese Haliburton really want to break the streak? Let’s get real for a second. NBA players are, by default, superstitious. Socks. Tunnel fits. Pregame meals. And when a team’s on a roll, even the most logical people start connecting dots that might not even exist. Is John Haliburton accidentally the good-luck charm by staying home? Or does his presence bring another level of calm to his son’s game?

Historically, the Pacers haven’t exactly owned the month of May. The franchise hasn’t seen the Eastern Conference Finals since 2024, after a long break since 2014. On top of that, Tyrese Haliburton and Co. are one of the top 10 franchises that have never won an NBA championship. So what’s the big deal about Game 3? For starters, the Knicks are staring down the abyss. A loss here would push them to a daunting 0-3 hole… a nearly impossible comeback scenario in any best-of-seven series.

The pressure will be off the Pacers, who can ride the momentum of a hot streak and the weight of expectation firmly on the Knicks’ shoulders. Will the Pacers’ newfound confidence and edge finally crush the Knicks’ hopes? Or will New York shake off the road blues and fight back with the desperation of a team that knows their season hangs in the balance?

For Tyrese Haliburton & Co., Game 3 isn’t just about extending a lead. It’s about proving they’re not a one-hit wonder. It’s about taking full advantage of a playoff moment decades in the making. For the Knicks, again, it’s a must-win battle to keep their playoff hopes alive and silence the growing chorus of doubters.

Add to the mix the superstitious saga of John Haliburton’s absence from the stands, and you’ve got a storyline loaded with drama, suspense, and maybe a little magic. So, will Pops make his first appearance in this series? Or is it keep-the-streak mode until further notice? Because right now, the Pacers are winning, the vibes are elite, and “Free Pops” is officially the slogan of whatever is left of May.