“HERE WE GO”: NBA Legend Reggie Miller Shares Emotional Message After Pacers-Thunder Loss Supporting Tyrese Haliburton
In a moment that transcended basketball, Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller shared an emotional message following the heartbreaking loss of the Indiana Pacers–Oklahoma City Thunder exhibition match that left Tyrese Haliburton visibly shaken. The game, meant to be a summer showcase of rising talent and cross-conference chemistry, ended in disappointment on the court but sparked a moving show of support off of it.
The hybrid “Pacers-Thunder Unity Game,” part of a charity initiative and offseason experiment in building inter-team camaraderie, concluded in a 116-112 defeat to a European All-Star select team in Barcelona. Despite the loss, the spotlight turned to Haliburton, who struggled through a tough shooting night and was seen with tears in his eyes postgame. The 24-year-old rising NBA star has carried the weight of leadership for both his team and community in recent months, including his recent $20 million donation in honor of Pacers legend Mel Daniels.
While critics were quick to comment on his performance, the response from NBA royalty was swift and profound.
“HERE WE GO,” Reggie Miller began in an Instagram video posted just hours after the game, his iconic voice filled with conviction. “I know what it’s like to carry a franchise on your shoulders. I know what it’s like to feel like you’ve let the city down, even when you’ve given it everything. But let me tell you something, Tyrese—you are exactly who we’ve been waiting for.”
Miller, who spent his entire 18-year career with the Pacers and is regarded as the franchise’s most beloved icon, praised Haliburton’s heart, vision, and integrity both on and off the floor. “What you’ve done for Indiana—not just with your play, but with your heart—can’t be measured by one game or one stat line,” he said. “You stood up for Mel. You gave back when you didn’t have to. And tonight, you gave your all.”
The loss in Barcelona had fans questioning the unusual Pacers-Thunder collaboration, which was designed to showcase a new wave of NBA leadership through joint community efforts and offseason team-building games. The project, originally suggested by veteran Chris Paul and endorsed by Commissioner Adam Silver, was intended to bring rising leaders like Haliburton and Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander into the global spotlight together.
But for Haliburton, who finished with 14 points on 5-of-18 shooting and seven turnovers, it was more than just a missed opportunity—it was personal. According to teammates, he had dedicated the game to Daniels, even wearing custom shoes inscribed with “#34 FOREVER.”
After the final buzzer, Haliburton sat alone on the bench for several minutes, towel draped over his head. Media outlets later captured him wiping away tears, sparking a wave of reactions on social media. While some questioned his emotional state for a non-competitive game, many others rallied behind him, including NBA stars like Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, and Ja Morant.
Yet it was Reggie Miller’s heartfelt tribute that cut through the noise.
“You have every right to feel,” Miller continued. “The world will tell you to be tough, to keep it moving. But emotion means you care. Emotion means you love this game, this city, and that’s what legends are made of.”
Miller ended the video with a message not just for Haliburton but for all of Indiana: “Let him grieve. Let him lead. And most of all—let him grow. Because this kid is special. He’s OUR guy. And we ride with him no matter what.”
Fans across the state have echoed the sentiment. The Pacers’ official X (formerly Twitter) account reposted the video with the caption “Once a Pacer, always a Pacer. We stand with Tyrese.” Thousands of fans responded with messages of encouragement, many recalling Miller’s own low moments and playoff heartbreaks during the 1990s.
Coach Rick Carlisle also addressed the situation in a press conference early Monday morning: “Tyrese is the heartbeat of this team. Anyone who’s been around him knows how deeply he feels. That’s leadership. That’s growth. We’re proud of him.”
As Haliburton flew back to Indianapolis late Sunday, sources say he has already requested to return to summer workouts and community service events in the coming week. For now, it seems, the pain of the loss is fueling an even deeper sense of purpose.
And in the words of Reggie Miller himself, the moment may just be the beginning:
“Here we go.”
Stay tuned for more on Haliburton’s response, the NBA’s summer global series, and what’s next for the Pacers-Thunder partnership.
