In what were largely one-sided games of the Pacers-Bucks playoff series, a single moment had fans pulling out popcorn. We could easily call on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 30-point performances, but when an often soft-natured Tyrese Haliburton decided to show up bolder, we knew who was stealing the spotlight. It felt like the playoffs. Like the true rivalry, the stage demands. But while a few tuned in, sipped their cola, and took in the entertainment, Tim Hardaway Sr., stirred up the pot with some very pointed comments. Oh, and he took it so far as to pull out a challenge.

The Hall of Fame point guard and father of Dallas Mavericks sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. made an appearance on Run It Back on FanDuel TV, where they discussed some of the hottest topics buzzing around the NBA. And sure enough, Haliburton and Lillard were bound to make the conversation. But while many expected a light, seasoned take from the elder Hardaway, what they got was a brutally honest takedown and a little threat, too. Before dropping the bomb, he took his time laying the groundwork, talking about the art of trash-talking in the NBA and what players really need to understand about it.

“Trash talking is trash talking. If you give, you also supposed to go take it. He talks a little bit too much,” he started. After the tensions first brewed in 2023-24, Lillard decided to spark it all back in Game 1. He may have been on the bench, but the point guard couldn’t help but throw a few words Haliburton’s way during a timeout. Things escalated, techs were issued, but in the next game, the Pacers’ star answered with his game– 21 points and 12 assists to help Indiana 2-0. However, the trash-talking wasn’t left out. Here comes Hardaway Sr.’s issue.

“When you up, you know you talk too much in people’s faces… you’re trying to get up under their skin. But when you’re not playing well and when you’re not producing the way you supposed to produce… I can’t see, I can’t see you,” he added.

For Haliburton, it was nothing more than the atmosphere of the competition and the two teams’ dislike for each other. They have faced each other 18 times now since the start of last season, and the rivalry has been evident. But for Hardaway, it was the Pacers star only speaking out when the results were going in his favor. In simpler terms? If you want to trash-talk, talk when you are down and talk when you are up, too. It just can’t be one way.

Hardaway wasn’t just throwing his hat for the sake of it. He was laying down a challenge for today’s young stars to live up to the same standard he and his peers set in the last decades. And when people felt like he had said all he needed to say, he dropped a hammer. It was an announcement so bold that it instantly became the headline moment of the entire show!

“If there’s one guy I want to go play against, I want to go play against him in my prime to show him and to shut him up. Becuase your are not really… the tough guy,” he concluded. And honestly, that’d be some matchup.

Tim Hardaway’s prime was a masterclass

Man, if you didn’t get to watch Tim Hardaway in his prime, you truly missed one of the coldest point guards to ever do it! Tim wasn’t just quick, he was electric. It wasn’t just the move—it was the way he did it, full of confidence, swagger, and crazy speed.

Hardaway wasn’t all flash and no fire. This man was a complete offensive weapon! He could run deep and find the open man with a bullet pass. In his peak years with the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat, Tim was among the league’s most dynamic and feared guards. He was the engine behind those high-powered offenses!

What set him different from others?? It was his toughness and killer instinct! Tim played every game like it was a playoff elimination night. He always had this goal on his shoulder, a refusal to back down no matter who stood in front of him. Whether it was John Stockton, Gary Payton, or any other elite guard, Hardaway welcomed every matchup and usually came out looking like the baddest man on the court!

So yeah, if anyone tries to downplay how good Tim Hardaway was in his prime, he’s either lying or he’s delusional. Prime Tim wasn’t just good, he was unforgettable. He left his mark on the game with a style. It is a type of energy that players today still try to achieve. Absolute legend!