Tyrese Haliburton waves goodbye as Pacers eliminate Cavs after Myles Turner’s dagger [VIDEO]

Pacers Advance to Eastern Conference Finals Behind Turner’s Clutch 3 and Haliburton’s Swagger

Tonight, the Indiana Pacers punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals in dramatic fashion, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in a series-clinching Game 6. The pivotal moment came late in the fourth quarter when Myles Turner buried a dagger corner three-pointer, effectively sealing the game. Moments later, Tyrese Haliburton waved goodbye to the Cavaliers fans in Cleveland, a now-viral moment that added a cinematic exclamation point to the Pacers’ victory.

Haliburton and the Pacers proved their 2024 run to the Conference Finals was no fluke. In 2024, the 43-39 Pacers upset their way to the Eastern Conference Finals. Last year, they upset the injury plagued Milwaukee Bucks in the first round. Then, in the second round, they upset the New York Knicks, who held the East’s second seed. This year, the Pacers went 50-32, dominated the Bucks in the first round, and dominated the 64-18 first seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round. Tyrese waved goodbye to the Cleveland crowd.

Turner’s Big Shot, Haliburton’s Big Energy

With 23.2 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and the Pacers leading by nine points, Myles Turner found himself open in the corner and didn’t hesitate. The smooth release and follow-through splashed through the net. Therefore, putting the game officially out of reach and igniting the Pacers bench.

Immediately following the shot, Tyrese Haliburton was seen waving toward the stands. That gesture was widely interpreted as a farewell to Cavaliers fans. It wasn’t just a physical gesture but a symbolic one: the Pacers were moving on, and Cleveland was going home.

Haliburton’s wave has now become one of the most talked-about postseason moments. Thus, spreading rapidly across social platforms like X (formerly Twitter). It added flair to a team that has often been viewed as underdogs and gave the fanbase a viral moment to latch onto during this Cinderella playoff run.

The Pacers’ Road to the Conference Finals

The Pacers entered this game with a 3-1 series lead over the Cavaliers. Cleveland, led by Donovan Mitchell, had hoped to force a Game 6, but Indiana’s balanced attack and clutch shooting proved too much. Myles Turner had one of his best performances of the postseason, dropping 20 points in just 22 minutes. Meanwhile, Haliburton continued to serve as the team’s floor general and emotional spark.

This win propels Indiana to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year. So, this is the first time since 2014 that they’ve done this. The last decade has seen a series of rebuilds and early playoff exits. However, this squad, behind young stars like Haliburton and established veterans like Turner, has rewritten the narrative, these past two seasons.

Haliburton and Turner: A Duo Built for the Moment

The connection between Haliburton and Turner was on full display throughout the game. Turner’s ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim has complemented Haliburton’s pace and playmaking all season long. That synergy was evident in the closing moments, with Haliburton feeding off Turner’s dagger shot to deliver a message to the Cleveland crowd.

Haliburton’s wave wasn’t just about flair—it was a culmination of the Pacers’ grit and growth. After facing scrutiny earlier this season and being overlooked by most analysts, both players have stepped up as leaders. Turner, in particular, has overcome years of trade rumors and injury setbacks to deliver in the clutch when it mattered most.

Despite the Cleveland Cavaliers’ dominant record, the matchup was more evenly matched than most assumed. Whereas Cleveland finished 64-18, the Pacers finished 50-32. However, towards the end of the season, both teams posted near-identical records. After the All-Star break, Haliburton and Turner locked in. Now, they await the winner of the Knicks-Celtics series, providing them a 2024 rematch, regardless.

Fan and Media Reactions

The moment didn’t take long to gain traction. A tweet by @AlexGoldenNBA featuring the clip of Haliburton’s wave and Turner’s three-pointer was the flashpoint, drawing tens of thousands of views and spawning a flood of replies. One user, @R_Cross2422, tweeted, “@Original_Turner deserved that moment!!” while @SMMacdownn echoed what many were thinking: “I never thought I’d see the day.”

Not all reactions were celebratory. Some, like @BrennenNemeth3 and @nymetsfan1019, warned that the Pacers would soon face reality against the Knicks, who currently lead the Celtics 3-1 in the other semifinal matchup. Still, the overriding sentiment was that this moment belonged to Indiana, and they earned it.

Setting the Tone for the Next Round

Whether it’s the Knicks or Celtics, the Pacers have momentum and swagger heading into the Eastern Conference Finals. Haliburton’s wave might just become the defining image of this playoff run—a symbol of confidence, fearlessness, and a team peaking at the right time.

More importantly, it sets the tone for what’s ahead. This Pacers team doesn’t just want to compete; they want to command the spotlight. And with Haliburton orchestrating the offense and Turner anchoring the defense, they’re doing just that.

Final Thoughts

Tyrese Haliburton’s wave was more than just a taunt—it was a declaration. The Indiana Pacers are no longer content with just being a feel-good story. They’re here to contend.

Myles Turner’s clutch shooting and emotional leadership combined with Haliburton’s swagger have transformed the Pacers into one of the most compelling teams in the playoffs. With this victory, they’ve proven they can close out series and handle high-pressure situations on the road.

As they await their opponent in the Eastern Conference Finals, one thing is clear: this team has arrived. And they’re not just waving goodbye to the Cavs—they’re saying hello to the national stage. Last season, the Pacers were quickly swept by the Boston Celtics. This year, they’re looking to avenge themselves.

Rewriting last season’s “fluke” allegations, Indiana won 50 games this year. In addition, the Pacers got themselves to the Eastern Conference Finals by eliminating the East’s top team in five games. So, they now have consecutive Conference Finals appearances in the Haliburton era. Now, the wait is on for the Knicks or Celtics. Regardless of the opponent, the series is sure to be entertaining.