Despite being voted as the most “overrated” player in the NBA this season, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has made his critics eat their words with a stellar postseason performance. He elevated the Pacers through the Eastern Conference Playoffs. The Pacers star nearly captured the Eastern Conference Finals MVP trophy, which ultimately went to teammate Pascal Siakam.
The Pacers are now set for a seven-game Finals showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder. And Haliburton will enter the series with a little extra motivation. One devoted fan recently took their admiration to another level by getting a tattoo of Haliburton’s now-famous “choke” gesture on his leg.
WTHaliburton⁉️🤣
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 3, 2025
Fan got a tattoo of the Hali choke celly 😅
(via kiraytattoos, h/t inkednba/IG) pic.twitter.com/eKTdt8JrPK
Hali made the gesture during the Pacers’ 138-135 overtime win at Madison Square Garden. After hitting a clutch shot late in the game, Haliburton celebrated by mimicking Reggie Miller’s iconic “choke” sign directed at the Knicks crowd.
However, Haliburton later clarified he would’ve chosen a different celebration if he had realized his shot was a two-pointer rather than a game-winning three. In that thrilling game, he finished with 31 points, 11 assists, and four rebounds.
Fans React To Tyrese Haliburton’s ‘Choke’ Tattoo With Humor And Support
The viral tattoo has set social media ablaze. It generated a flood of reactions from fans across the NBA community. While some admired the loyalty, others questioned the timing.
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“Respect,” one fan simply wrote.
Respect 🫡
— joey. (@JoeyS54018) June 3, 2025
“They win the championship I’ll get this tattooed on me as well, swear to god,” another fan added.
They win the championship I’ll get this tattooed on me as well swear to god .
— Mack (@dawyone04) June 3, 2025
“I love it cuz even when they lose, it’s still a dope tattoo,” wrote one commenter.
I love it cuz even when they lose its still a dope tattoo
— Gallivanting Time (@GallivantingTme) June 3, 2025
But not everyone was so enthusiastic.
“Gonna regret this within a day or 2 lmao,” one skeptical fan joked.
Gonna regret this within a day or 2 lmao
— Carlos (@LFGPads19) June 3, 2025
“A little soon I would think,” another fan commented.
A little soon I would think
— Travis (@AltLineBuilder) June 3, 2025
Haliburton has now been with the Pacers for just over three years. When the team traded for him, they stood at 19-36. Under his leadership, Indiana turned things around dramatically, finishing this regular season at 50-32. Now, they are just four wins away from capturing their first NBA Championship since 1973.
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