In Indiana, there’s one gesture etched into basketball lore like a battle scar—two hands gripping an invisible throat, Reggie Miller‘s infamous “choke” sign. For Knicks fans, it’s a haunting reminder of 1994. For Pacers fans, it’s legacy. So when Tyrese Haliburton mimicked it in Game 1 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals—after tying the game, not winning it—he didn’t just trigger Madison Square Garden flashbacks. He sparked chaos across the sports world, including a side-splitting two-word reaction from Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes.

The Pacers pulled off a jaw-dropping 138–135 overtime win against the Knicks on Wednesday, but it was Tyrese Haliburton’s post-shot antics that stole the spotlight. After draining what he thought was a game-winning three, Haliburton turned to the crowd and channeled Reggie Miller, flashing the iconic choke sign. Only problem? It wasn’t a three. The game wasn’t over. And he hadn’t won it—yet.

Still, the drama was enough to catch the attention of NFL star Patrick Mahomes, who couldn’t resist chiming in. The Chiefs quarterback fired off a simple reaction on X, perfectly summing up the moment with: “Bro stop…. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂”. It’s not every day you see a three-time Super Bowl champ weigh in on NBA playoff theatrics, but when Haliburton tugs directly at one of the most infamous threads in Pacers–Knicks history, it’s hard to stay quiet.

For longtime fans, Haliburton’s move was instantly recognizable. It mirrored the infamous gesture Reggie Miller unleashed during Game 5 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals, silencing Spike Lee and Madison Square Garden with a performance for the ages.

The irony? Haliburton’s celebration came before the Pacers had secured the win. The moment capped off his clutch bucket to tie the game at 123–123 and force overtime. It was bold, chaotic, and totally premature. After the game, Haliburton acknowledged the timing hiccup with a sheepish grin: “I thought it was a three. I tried to hit the celly. It didn’t work, but we finished it in overtime.”

Had the Pacers lost, the moment could’ve haunted him. Instead, it’s trending—and with Mahomes amplifying the hilarity, it’s immortal.

Haliburton’s buzzer-beater saved the Pacers in game 1 

Before the drama, there was dominance—from both sides. The Knicks led 36–34 after the first quarter and widened the gap to 69–62 by halftime. But in the second half, Haliburton flipped the switch. With the Pacers clawing back from a 14-point deficit with 2:30 left on the clock, he drilled the game-tying shot with seconds left, sending Game 1 into overtime. From there, Indiana sealed the deal with a 15–12 run in OT, grabbing a critical 1–0 series lead. Haliburton finished with 31 points, five rebounds, and seven assists—plus one extremely viral celebration.

While Patrick Mahomes’ tweet was brief, it wasn’t random. The two-time NFL MVP is a vocal basketball junkie. He’s attended NBA games across the country and has a history of weighing in on league moments—usually with the same blend of casual fandom and elite-athlete approval. And in Haliburton’s case, the antics earned a digital nod of respect and amusement. Just like Reggie’s choke sign three decades ago, the moment is now locked in NBA-Pacers-Knicks lore.

What’s Next? Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals tips off Friday, May 23. And with the series already bursting with intensity, nostalgia, and social media fire, one thing’s for sure: Haliburton’s swagger is here to stay.

As for Mahomes? He’s got a front-row seat—at least from his phone—for the theater unfolding on hardwood. And if Haliburton has another moment up his sleeve, don’t be surprised if “Bro stop” becomes a catchphrase for the postseason.