Tyrese Haliburton Regretted Mocking Damian Lillard
Tyrese Haliburton expressed remorse for imitating Damian Lillard's signature celebration during a 2023 tournament game.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Basketball
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Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton admitted he regretted mocking Damian Lillard by imitating his trademark Dame Time celebration during the 2023 NBA in-season tournament. He shared his perspective on The Zach Lowe Show, noting his deep respect for Lillard as an early-career mentor.
Why it matters
The public admission highlights the evolving professional relationship between two prominent NBA guards who have both navigated significant injuries recently. Haliburton's comments provide insight into the competitive dynamics and mutual respect shared by league stars.
Both players suffered torn Achilles injuries during the 2025 playoffs after previously competing in the 2023 NBA in-season tournament. Lillard has since returned to the Portland Trail Blazers following his time with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The players
Tyrese Haliburton
He is an All-Star point guard for the Indiana Pacers known for his elite playmaking abilities.
Damian Lillard
He is a veteran NBA guard who recently returned to the Portland Trail Blazers after playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Zach Lowe Show
This is a prominent sports media program featuring analysis and interviews with major figures in the NBA.
The details
Haliburton, who moved from the Sacramento Kings to the Indiana Pacers in 2022, performed the celebration after hitting a 3-pointer in a semifinal game. He acknowledged his regret during his recent interview, emphasizing the mentorship Lillard provided him earlier in his professional journey.
Timeline
Tyrese Haliburton was traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2022.
The Dame Time celebration mockery occurred in 2023.
Both players suffered torn Achilles injuries during the 2025 playoffs.
The Indiana Pacers host the Portland Trail Blazers on December 17, 2026.
The Indiana Pacers visit the Portland Trail Blazers on February 18, 2027.
Season Trajectory
This acknowledgment shapes the narrative heading into the upcoming matchups between the Indiana Pacers and the Portland Trail Blazers. The players' shared history adds a layer of competitive intrigue to their respective returns from 2025 injuries.
Fans should monitor the upcoming games on December 17 and February 18 to see how these stars interact after these comments. The status of their returns from 2025 Achilles injuries remains a critical factor for both teams' rotation and competitive outlook.
The takeaway
Professional sports often involve high-intensity moments that players may reflect on differently as their careers progress. Acknowledging past actions can serve to reinforce the mutual respect that defines relationships between veteran and emerging NBA stars.
Further reading
For more on the league's evolving storylines, visit the Basketball section.
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