Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton didn't try to defend his father's postgame altercation with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
"You know, as far as the incident between Giannis and my pops, I had no idea it happened until I got to the back and was showed the video," Haliburton said after the Pacers eliminated the Bucks in Game 5, per Nick Meyer of Athlon Sports.
"Me and my pops have talked about that, and I don't agree with what transpired there from him. Basketball is basketball, and let's keep it on the court. I think that he just got excited, saw his son make the game-winner, and came on the court."
Haliburton's father, John, walked out of his seat carrying a towel shortly after his son's series-clinching layup in overtime. He stared down the Bucks star and appeared to say a few words to him before Pat Connaughton arrived to de-escalate the situation.
"I don't think my pops was in the right at all there," Haliburton added.
Shortly after, Antetokounmpo found John in the crowd. The pair exchanged words before a Bucks employee shepherded Antetokounmpo away.
Antetokounmpo also had a heated postgame argument with Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin as the two teams shook hands at midcourt.
"I believe in being humble in victory, that's the way I am," Antetokounmpo said in his postgame press conference. "There can be a lot of people out there that are like, 'No, when you win the game, you get to talk shit, and, you know, it's a green light to be disrespectful to somebody else.' I disagree."
He continued: "I have won a championship, they haven't."
Antetokounmpo wasn't angry at Haliburton's father for showing emotion. However, he was frustrated with the disrespect he was shown after the match.
"I'm happy for him, and I'm happy for his son, and I'm happy he's happy for his son," he said. "That's how he's supposed to feel. But coming to me and disrespecting me and cursing at me is totally disrespectful."
Haliburton later reposted an apology that his father wrote on the social media platform X:
I sincerely apologize to Giannis, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Pacers organization for my actions following tonight's game. This was not a good reflection on our sport or my son and I will not make that mistake again.
This is the second consecutive postseason the Pacers have eliminated the Bucks in the first round.
Antetokounmpo recorded 30 points, 20 rebounds, 13 assists, and two blocks in the overtime loss.
