The enthusiastic New York Knicks foster a thrilling atmosphere, particularly during the playoffs with recent wins igniting postgame celebrations outside Madison Square Garden. However, wearing the jersey of an opposing team, such as the Indiana Pacers, can stir up trouble in this vibrant environment.

Recently, a Pacers fan, firefighter Hans Perez, donned a Tyrese Haliburton jersey following a Knicks victory over Boston that brought the team into the conference finals against Indiana. Unfortunately, he became a target, receiving trash bags thrown at him from some Knicks supporters.

Knicks fans brutally troll Pacers fan donning a Tyrese Haliburton jersey after Game 6 and series win in New York 🤯
(via @YeahYeahOkBro) pic.twitter.com/fkw7jXoQxo — ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 18, 2025

Haliburton learned of this incident through Pat McAfee and decided to surprise Perez with an invitation to Game 4 in Indianapolis, ensuring he received VIP treatment.

“I personally wanna bring you and a plus one out to Indiana for game four. Everybody in our organization wants to make sure that you’re taken care of” ~ @TyHaliburton22 #PMSLive https://t.co/QN7dTplbIw pic.twitter.com/B8y1iqVO02 — Pat McAfee (PatMcAfeeShow) May 19, 2025

The rivalry between the Knicks and Pacers has a storied history, particularly in the 90s when they clashed in the playoffs multiple times. Despite limited recent encounters, animosity remains high among fans. In the previous year’s conference semifinals, the Pacers edged the Knicks, and Haliburton popularized himself in New York as a villain, much to the delight of his Indiana fans.

Come Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Haliburton will be welcomed by a rowdy crowd back at MSG, embracing his villain role while simultaneously winning the hearts of Pacers fans by celebrating their own by bringing Perez to experience Game 4 in a more supportive atmosphere.