The Indiana Pacers are riding high after a thrilling 116-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, taking a 2-1 lead in the series. The atmosphere at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was electric, and Pacers' star point guard Tyrese Haliburton delivered a performance to remember, contributing 22 points and 11 assists. However, beyond the box score and the crucial win, a heartwarming moment between Haliburton and Pacers legend Reggie Miller captured the essence of the night and the spirit of Indiana basketball.
Miller, a Pacers icon, was courtside with his two young children, witnessing Haliburton lead the charge. After the game, as Haliburton basked in the cheers of the roaring crowd, he shared a hug with Miller and then spent several minutes taking pictures and interacting with Miller's kids. This interaction resonated deeply with fans and observers, symbolizing the passing of the torch and the connection between Pacers' past and present.
The image of Haliburton with Miller's children quickly went viral, sparking an outpouring of positive reactions. For Haliburton, it was more than just a photo opportunity; it was a chance to acknowledge the legacy he is now a part of and to express his gratitude to the Indiana community.
"It's hard to put into words what moments like that mean," Haliburton said in a post-game interview. "Reggie is Mr. Pacer. He embodies everything this franchise stands for, and to have him here, supporting us, means the world. And to share a moment with his kids, that's something I'll never forget."
Haliburton's message to Indiana extends beyond his interaction with the Miller family. Since joining the Pacers in 2022, he has consistently emphasized his desire to bring joy back to Indiana basketball and lead the team back to contention. His commitment was rewarded with back-to-back All-Star selections in 2023 and 2024 and an All-NBA Third Team selection for both the 2024 and 2025 seasons. In 2025, he spearheaded the Pacers' remarkable run to their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years.
"When I got traded here, the big thing for me was just making the Pacers fun again and making us successful," Haliburton said. "I wanted to be the best version of myself and help this team get back to where they're accustomed to being, which is winning basketball."
His impact extends beyond his individual accolades. Haliburton's leadership and playmaking abilities have elevated the entire team, fostering a culture of teamwork and resilience. In Game 3 against the Thunder, Bennedict Mathurin stepped up with 27 points off the bench, while Pascal Siakam added 21. T.J. McConnell also made history with 10 points, five assists, and five steals, the first player to reach those numbers off the bench in an NBA Finals game. Haliburton acknowledged the collective effort, stating, "So many different guys chipped in... Our bench was amazing."
As the Pacers look ahead to Game 4, they know the Thunder will be hungry for a response. However, with Haliburton leading the way and the support of a passionate fanbase, Indiana is determined to seize the moment and move closer to their ultimate goal. The special message Haliburton sent to Indiana, both through his actions on the court and his connection with Reggie Miller's family, serves as a powerful reminder of the bond between the team and its community.
