John Haliburton will be permitted to attend the Indiana Pacers’ Game 4 matchup against the New York Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse after being barred from games earlier this postseason. This decision comes after an altercation involving John Haliburton and Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo during the first round of the playoffs.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that John Haliburton, who missed the previous eight home games, will be welcome at the Pacers’ remaining home contests but remains restricted from attending road games. This marks a significant development in the playoffs as Haliburton returns to support his son Tyrese in person.

Background: Incident Sparks John’s Suspension

The suspension originated after John Haliburton confronted Giannis Antetokounmpo on the court following Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning shot in Game 5 of the first-round series between the Pacers and Bucks. The heated exchange led to a brief skirmish involving players from both teams, prompting disciplinary action against John Haliburton.

Tyrese Haliburton acknowledged his father’s emotional response but emphasized that his father’s actions were not appropriate.

“I don’t agree with what transpired there from him,”

Tyrese said.

“I think basketball is basketball and let’s keep it on the court. I think that he just got excited, saw his son make a game-winner and came on the court. … I don’t think that my pops was in the right at all there and it’s unfortunate what happened at the end there.”

—Tyrese Haliburton, NBA Player

John Haliburton Reflects and Apologizes for Court Incident

Addressing his actions after the incident, John Haliburton expressed regret for entering the court but stood firm on his pride for his son’s achievement. He told the Indianapolis Star’s Dustin Dopirak,

“It was in the moment. It was in that dad proud moment. You know what I mean? And I just reacted because my son, he just did something very incredible, and I just jumped. … Am I sorry for being proud of my son? No. No. I’m not going to tell you that because I’d be lying. But I was wrong for going on the basketball court, because I shouldn’t have ever done that. Do I apologize for going on the court? Yes I do.”

—John Haliburton, Father of Tyrese Haliburton

Pacers’ Playoff Journey Continues as John Returns

Because of the incident, John Haliburton was absent for all of the Pacers’ second-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, with his return to home games, he will witness the critical moments of this postseason firsthand. The Pacers have experienced a rollercoaster in the current series against the Knicks, rallying to win Game 1 with an impressive 14-point comeback in the final minutes, securing Game 2, but falling in Game 3.

With the team looking to regain momentum in Game 4 at home, having John Haliburton present could provide an emotional boost as they strive to take control of the series at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.