Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals had it all — playoff intensity, elite-level performances, a rowdy Indiana crowd, and one very special courtside guest. But what truly stole the show? Tyrese Haliburton’s priceless reaction to seeing WWE legend Triple H sitting front and center.
Midway through a game where Haliburton was carving up the New York Knicks with surgical precision, the Pacers’ star caught a glimpse of “The Game” — Triple H himself — in the stands. And just like that, Haliburton turned from locked-in NBA point guard to gleeful WWE superfan in real time. 😭😂
With cameras capturing the moment, Haliburton flashed a huge smile, pointed toward Triple H, and even hit him with a subtle nod and shoutout. It was an interaction that immediately went viral, sending NBA and wrestling fans into a frenzy online.
A Historic Performance, With a Side of Hype
Let’s not bury the lead — Haliburton wasn’t just having fun out there. He was making history.
In one of the most impressive playoff performances in recent memory, Haliburton posted 30 points, 15 assists, and 0 turnovers, becoming the first player in NBA history to reach those numbers in a playoff game since turnovers began being tracked in 1977.
It was a masterclass. Every possession flowed through him. He read the defense like a book, knocked down deep threes, set up teammates with no-look dimes, and ran the pick-and-roll like a seasoned vet. And he did it all while keeping a perfect handle on the basketball. No mistakes. No miscues. Just dominance.
Oh — and he did it all in front of one of his childhood heroes.
From WWE Fan to NBA Star
Tyrese Haliburton has never been shy about his love for professional wrestling. In interviews, on social media, and even during team events, he’s let the world know that he grew up watching WWE. He’s name-dropped legends like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and of course, Triple H.
So when he saw one of the most iconic wrestlers of all time — the 14-time world champion, the man who ran D-Generation X and reigned over WWE’s Attitude Era — sitting courtside, it felt like more than a celebrity cameo. It felt personal.
That’s what made the moment so special. It wasn’t just about Triple H being there. It was about Haliburton, in the middle of the biggest game of his young career, seeing someone who once inspired him as a kid. And instead of getting distracted, he used that energy and fed off it — just like a WWE superstar feeding off a roaring crowd.
Sports and Entertainment Collide
The NBA and WWE have had a long-standing relationship. From Shaquille O’Neal stepping into the ring, to LeBron James throwing up DX crotch chops before games, the connection runs deep. Athletes respect performers, and vice versa. Both understand the showmanship, the pressure, the dedication it takes to put on a spectacle night after night.
Triple H being at Game 4 wasn’t a coincidence either. WWE and the NBA both have loyal fan bases in Indiana, and with the Conference Finals heating up, it was the perfect time for some crossover energy.
Haliburton’s on-court nod to Triple H was instantly meme-worthy. It humanized him in the best way — showing that even while making history on the hardwood, he’s still that kid from Wisconsin who grew up watching WrestleMania every year.
The Fans Ate It Up
NBA Twitter and WWE Twitter rarely unite, but when they do, it’s magical. Within minutes, screenshots of Hali’s reaction to Triple H were all over social media. Fans joked about Haliburton hitting a Pedigree at midcourt. Edits showed him wearing a DX t-shirt under his jersey. Memes poured in of “Hali 3:16” and “The Cerebral Point Guard.”
And of course, Triple H himself joined the fun. After the game, he posted a tweet congratulating Haliburton and shouting out the Pacers’ huge win, with a classic “#TimeToPlayTheGame” hashtag. Wrestling and basketball worlds collided — and fans loved every second.
A Night to Remember
The Pacers’ Game 4 win was pivotal. It tied the series, swung momentum back to Indiana, and cemented Haliburton as not just the floor general of the future — but the moment-maker of the present.
But beyond the stats and strategy, it was the joy Haliburton showed, the excitement in seeing one of his idols, that made this night unforgettable.
Sometimes sports give us more than competition. They give us moments — the kind that remind us why we fell in love with the game in the first place. Tyrese Haliburton gave fans one of those moments in Game 4.
Game Recognizes Game
Whether it’s wrestling or basketball, greatness recognizes greatness. Triple H saw Haliburton take over a conference finals game like a true superstar. And Haliburton saw one of his childhood icons show up to witness it in person.
In the end, both men delivered a show.
And somewhere in the mix of it all, Tyrese Haliburton proved something else:
He’s not just here to play the game. He’s here to run it.
