NBA Warns Indiana Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton for Celebration Dance After Game-Winning Shot Against Cavaliers

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton received a warning from the NBA for his postgame celebration after a game-winning three-pointer in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite expectations of a fine for the gesture, which the league has previously deemed 'obscene,' Haliburton will not face financial penalties. The NBA's decision marks a departure from past actions where similar gestures resulted in fines for players like LeBron James and Julius Randle. Haliburton's shot secured a 120-119 victory, giving the Pacers a 2-0 series lead.

Haliburton’s Heroics and the Celebration That Followed

On Tuesday night in Cleveland, Haliburton delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. With just 1.1 seconds remaining, the All-Star point guard hit a step-back three-pointer to cap a stunning 120-119 comeback victory for the Pacers, who had trailed by as many as 20 points in the third quarter and were down seven with under a minute to play.

As the shot fell and the Pacers took a 2-0 series lead over the top-seeded Cavaliers, Haliburton turned toward the crowd and performed a dance that mimicked a gesture popularized by former NBA guard Sam Cassell. The move, which involves cupping the hands below the waist in a suggestive manner, has previously drawn fines from the league when performed by players such as LeBron James, Julius Randle, Fred VanVleet, and Eddie House.

League Response: Warning Issued

Despite the precedent, the NBA opted not to fine Haliburton. Instead, the league issued a formal warning, according to a person with knowledge of the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision had not been publicly announced at the time.

Haliburton himself anticipated a fine, telling reporters after the game, “I’ve been waiting for that. I’ve been waiting for that, man. It was just right in the moment. Yeah, man, I’ve been waiting for that. I’ll take that fine, gladly.” However, the league ultimately chose a more lenient course of action.

A Gesture with History

The celebration in question has a long and controversial history in the NBA. Sam Cassell, who played in the league from 1993 to 2008, is widely credited with introducing the move, which he reportedly borrowed from the 1994 baseball comedy film "Major League II." Over the years, the NBA has classified the gesture as "obscene," and players have been fined for using it during games.

Given this context, Haliburton’s decision to perform the dance—especially in a high-stakes playoff environment—was expected to draw disciplinary action. That expectation was shared by Haliburton himself, who acknowledged the likely consequences in his postgame comments.

Game Context: A Defining Moment in the Series

Haliburton’s game-winner was the culmination of a remarkable rally by the Pacers, who now hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The shot not only silenced the Cleveland crowd but also shifted momentum firmly in Indiana’s favor as the series heads to Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday.

The Pacers’ comeback was fueled by Haliburton’s leadership and clutch play. After missing a free throw in the final seconds, he secured his own rebound, stepped back beyond the arc, and drained the decisive shot. The celebration that followed was a spontaneous expression of emotion, according to Haliburton.

League Precedent and Player Reactions

The NBA has historically taken a strict stance on gestures it deems inappropriate. In previous seasons, players have been fined amounts ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 for similar celebrations. The decision to issue only a warning in Haliburton’s case marks a departure from that trend, though no official explanation has been provided by the league.

While the league has not commented publicly, the decision has been confirmed by multiple outlets, including the Associated Press and ESPN. The move has sparked discussion among fans and analysts, particularly given the consistency with which similar gestures have been penalized in the past.

Haliburton’s Postgame Comments

Haliburton’s remarks after the game reflected both his awareness of the gesture’s history and his willingness to accept any consequences. “It was just right in the moment,” he said. “I’ll take that fine, gladly.” His comments suggest that the celebration was not premeditated but rather a spontaneous reaction to a pivotal moment in his team’s playoff run.

The Pacers guard also acknowledged the cultural roots of the gesture, which has become a part of NBA lore despite its controversial nature. By choosing to perform it in Cleveland—home of the baseball team formerly known as the Indians, the fictional team featured in the "Major League" films—Haliburton added a layer of irony to the moment.

Series Outlook

With the Pacers now up 2-0 and heading home, Haliburton’s performance and the ensuing celebration have become defining elements of the series. Indiana will look to build on its momentum in front of a home crowd, while the Cavaliers face the challenge of regrouping after two narrow losses.

Haliburton’s leadership and flair have been central to the Pacers’ postseason success thus far. While the NBA’s warning serves as a reminder of the league’s standards, it also allows the young star to continue his playoff run without financial penalty.

References

• Tyrese Haliburton gets warning from NBA for dance, but no fine, AP source says
• Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton warned but not fined for celebration dance after Game 2 vs Cavs
• Report: Indiana Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton gets warning from NBA for dance, avoids fine | TSN
• Tyrese Haliburton gets warning from NBA for dance, but no fine, AP source says
• Report: Pacers' Haliburton warned for G2 dance