The Cleveland Cavaliers are already scratching their head in front of the merciless Indiana Pacers, who sank their game 2 in a nail-biter to take a 2-0 lead. And then, if mocking NBA rules were a sport, Tyrese Haliburton did it effortlessly. First, the win came against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a wild Game 2 finish. The other? Against the NBA rulebook itself. After reviving Sam Cassell’s unforgettable ‘Big Balls’ celebration, Haliburton instantly became the hottest topic in basketball this week. From Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett to three-time Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams, everybody’s weighing in now. And honestly, given the attention he’s getting, it feels like a fair trade for one of the season’s wildest moments.

On Tuesday, the Indiana Pacers edged out the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-119 in a nail-biting Game 2 Eastern Conference thriller. Tyrese Haliburton drilled a cold-blooded 25-foot three with 1.1 seconds left, capping a wild eight-point run in 47.9 seconds. That shot completely flipped the game, sending Cavs’ home crowd into silence as the clock wound down. But Haliburton wasn’t finished yet. Right after sinking the winner, he broke out Sam Cassell’s signature celebration. Yes, the infamous “Big Balls” dance made its comeback. Now, according to the NBA rulebook, Haliburton will cough up $15,000 for the move. 

It might look bad to some, but not to Lou Williams. He’s loving every second of it. Williams believes this kind of fearless attitude belongs on the court, and it actually reminds him of a legend. On a recent episode of Run It Back, Lou gave props to both Haliburton and the man, Dikembe Mutombo. Lue said, “Anytime a celebration gets banned, that is by far in all time favorite along with the Mutombo finger waving that’s more of the PG-13 version of it.” Mutombo, of course, was famous for wagging his finger after blocking shots, taunting opponents with a legendary “No, no, no.” Williams didn’t stop there. 

He doubled down on loving Haliburton’s moment, even knowing a fine was coming his way. Lue also said, “But I love this. The monkey bees, that’s one of my all-time favourites. I love this, and it was inappropriate. And again they gonna fine him pretty good. But listen, right my check would have a smile on my face if I win this game and going up 2-0 back to my home court, and I’m putting my team in a great position to close this thing out by all means, fine me whatever you want.” 

So yeah, it’s pretty clear Lou Williams is loving every bit of Tyrese Haliburton’s swagger out there. And if we’re being honest, he doesn’t want Haliburton to stop anytime soon. He hopes there’s more coming. It doesn’t matter the price he has to pay for it.

Tyrese Haliburton channels Sam Cassell’s swagger and shares his thoughts on the bold move

On Tuesday night, Tyrese Haliburton electrified the court with a game-changing play that sent shockwaves through Cleveland and pushed Indiana to a commanding 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Cavaliers. It was bold. It was brash. And it was exactly the kind of moment that defines playoff legends.

That clutch four-point play wasn’t just about scoring; it was a statement. Haliburton’s confidence was on full display, and the NBA world took notice. Cassell’s “Big Balls” celebration has been part of basketball history ever since Major League II popularized it. And while it’s a memorable flex, the NBA’s quick to hand out fines to those brave enough to bring it back.

But Haliburton wasn’t fazed. Asked about the fine, he grinned and made it clear he’d been waiting for a moment like this. “I’ve been waiting for that, man. It was just right in the moment. I’ll take that fine gladly,” Haliburton said. Fans quickly realized it wasn’t just about the shot or the celebration. It was a message: Haliburton’s ready for the spotlight. And if it costs him a little cash, he’s more than happy to pay up.