After leading an unbelievable comeback in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton celebrated the moment with his girlfriend, Jade Jones.
Jones posted a video via her Instagram Story on Wednesday, May 21, showing the moment she and Haliburton, 25, embraced on the court in an empty Madison Square Garden shortly after the Pacers’ 138-135 overtime victory over the New York Knicks.
“My baby 💛,” Jones captioned the video, which captured her getting on her tiptoes to hug her 6’5” boyfriend.
Jones also posted a photo of the moment to her Story, writing, “I’m so proud of you ❤️.”
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After a bizarre scuffle with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, the father of Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton issued a mea culpa. John Haliburton was seen taunting Antetokounmpo, 30, on the court following the Pacers’ series-clinching victory over the Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Tuesday, April 29. The two eventually came face-to-face before […]
Haliburton and Jones have been dating since 2019 after the couple met during their time at Iowa State University, where Haliburton was a star basketball player and Jones was a cheerleader.
Jones celebrated Haiburton’s birthday in February with a carousel of photos from their time together.
“Happy birthday to my best friend!!” Jones wrote via Instagram. “Words will never be able to fully express how special you truly are to me! I feel like the luckiest girl in the world ❤️ I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to go on this adventure with! You’re my rock forever! I love you so much 🥳💝.”
As for the Pacers’ comeback win, Haliburton hit a buzzer beater at the end of regulation to force overtime, erasing a 14-point deficit with just over three minutes to play.
After his game-tying shot, Haliburton celebrated by mimicking a choke sign, a reference to former Pacers great Reggie Miller’s iconic celebration at Madison Square Garden during the 1995 NBA playoffs.
Haliburton performed the celebration as an homage to Miller, 59, who was sitting courtside calling the game for TNT.
“I wanted [Miller] to see it more than anything,” Haliburton told reporters after the game. “I think it’s just really cool to continue to make my own history and this group to make our own history while also showing respect and love to the ones that came before us. Definitely a special moment and something I won’t forget.”
Haliburton was quick to note that Miller’s Pacers didn’t win the series against the Knicks in 1995.
“Would not like to repeat that,” Haliburton said with a laugh.
Haliburton finished Game 1 with 31 points, 11 assists and four rebounds.
The Pacers and Knicks return to Madison Square Garden for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Friday, May 23.
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