Damian Lillard Says He Respects Tyrese Haliburton’s Celebration, but Warns Him to ‘Be Humble’

Tyrese Haliburton replicated Damian Lillard’s renowned “Dame Time” celebration during the Pacers’ in-season tournament win over the Bucks on Thursday night.

After the game, Lillard was asked about Haliburton’s celebratory antics, to which the 33-year-old said that he respected the move from Indiana’s star point guard, before warning him to stay humble.

“For as many times as I’ve done it to people, I can’t be upset when somebody else does it. I think that’s also a sign of respect and acknowledgment for knowing my history, knowing what I do. I didn’t mind it, it was what it was,” said Lillard, via Rob Lopez of FanDuel. 

“I’ve also known that when you’re having your moment, it’s important to be careful and be humble... because you just never know how the table turns and it when it’s gonna turn. I respect it. We shook hands after the game. I wasn’t moved by it left or right.”

After draining a late three which all but secured the Pacers’ berth to the in-season tournament championship game, Haliburton stared at his wrist and shouted “I know what time it is,” taking a jab at Lillard.

Haliburton finished the game with 27 points, 15 assists, and zero turnovers, and he was fired up after sticking the dagger in Milwaukee late into the game. 

While Lillard has boasted his share of late game heroics in the past, he was on the wrong end of a red-hot Haliburton-led Pacers team on Thursday night, and he tipped his hat to the 23-year-old after his big game.