At WWE SummerSlam held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton found himself in an unexpected spotlight. When the camera panned to him, the crowd erupted in boos—a testament to the lingering rivalry between the Pacers and the New York Knicks. Haliburton, ever the showman, responded with a grin and a shout: "I love you, too."

A Rivalry Revisited

Haliburton's presence at SummerSlam was a reminder of the intense playoff series between the Pacers and the Knicks earlier this year. The Pacers, led by Haliburton's stellar performance of 21 points, 10.5 assists, and six rebounds per game, eliminated the Knicks in a hard-fought seven-game series. This victory propelled the Pacers to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, though they ultimately fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a decisive Game 7.

The Achilles' Heel

Haliburton's appearance at SummerSlam was notable for another reason: he was still recovering from surgery on his torn Achilles, an injury sustained during that fateful Game 7. Despite being on crutches, Haliburton managed to make an impact at the event. WWE legend John Cena even borrowed one of Haliburton's crutches to deliver a blow to Cody Rhodes during the main event—a moment Haliburton later joked about on social media.

A WWE Fan at Heart

Haliburton is no stranger to the world of WWE. The two-time NBA All-Star has attended several WWE events in the past and even squared off against Knicks star Jalen Brunson in a WWE ring in June 2024. His love for the spectacle of WWE is well-documented, and his appearance at SummerSlam only solidified his status as a crossover star.

The Aftermath

After the event, Haliburton took to Twitter to share his thoughts, tweeting, "Missed y'all too NY🧡💙" with a link to a video of the booing incident. This playful exchange with the fans showcased Haliburton's ability to embrace the moment, turning what could have been a negative experience into a memorable one.

Haliburton's appearance at WWE SummerSlam was a reminder of his resilience, both on and off the court. As he continues his recovery, fans eagerly await his return to the NBA, where he will undoubtedly continue to make headlines.