This offseason, a basketball enthusiast caught attention by showcasing tattoos of NBA stars Reggie Miller and Tyrese Haliburton, sparking widespread reaction on social media. The tattoos capture a memorable moment from Game 1 of the conference finals, where Haliburton’s clutch three-pointer sent the game into overtime, followed by his signature choke gesture mimicking Miller’s famous move from the 1994 playoffs.
The fan’s right hand features a tattoo of Miller pointing at Haliburton, accompanied by the phrase, This is what we do. His left hand displays Haliburton’s choking gesture with the note,
This is what we effing do.
These images quickly went viral after being posted online, igniting debate among basketball followers.
Reactions from NBA Fans Highlight Humor and Criticism
Once the tattoos were shared on X (formerly Twitter), users expressed mixed views about the fan’s body art. Many remarks humorously mocked the tattoos, especially since neither Miller’s era nor Haliburton’s current team, the Indiana Pacers, had recently won a championship.
One user pointed out,
They didnt even win the championship LOL.
Meanwhile, others found the tattoos odd or embarrassing, with comments such as, Oh no. Hahahahahah. and
Imagine having a tattoo of another man in one hand… And imagine having a tattoo of another man on the other.
Several fans also linked the tattoos to the Pacers’ reputation, with one stating,
Nothing summarizes the Pacers franchise better than these tattoos.
Another added humorously,
Tattoos make it look like the pacers are who choke lol.
While some criticized the tattoos’ appearance, others acknowledged the dedication, including a fan who said,
That’s a wild commitment to the Pacers, gotta respect it.
Another user emphasized their surprise over the attention given despite no recent championship win:
didn’t win the championship and still getting all this is insane.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Rising Profile and Season Performance
Tyrese Haliburton’s impressive performance in the 2024-25 NBA season earned him recognition beyond this viral tattoo moment. Over 73 games, he averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds, showcasing his growing influence on the Pacers’ lineup. His ability to channel Miller’s iconic playoff gesture during an important game illustrates the respect he commands across generations.
Implications of the Tattoos and What They Reflect
This unusual fan tribute highlights the fierce loyalty basketball enthusiasts can have toward their team and heroes, even if success has yet to materialize in a championship. The tattoos serve both as a comedic symbol and a testament to the enduring cultural impact of moments like Haliburton’s clutch shot and Miller’s legendary career. The viral response shows how fan culture and social media intersect, turning personal expressions into shared entertainment and debate among the NBA community.
Going forward, as Haliburton continues to develop his career with the Pacers, fans will likely remain attentive to how he honors past legends like Miller while forging his own legacy. Whether through bold tattoos or memorable on-court performances, fan engagement is certain to stay lively around these figures.