Mon May 26 01:20:00 UTC 2025: **Pacers Take 2-0 Lead Over Knicks; Barkley Campaigns to ‘Free’ Haliburton’s Dad**

**INDIANAPOLIS** – The Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 114-109 on Friday night, pushing their Eastern Conference Finals lead to 2-0 as the series heads to Indianapolis. While the Pacers celebrated their victory, the Inside the NBA crew on TNT focused on a different matter: the attendance ban of Tyrese Haliburton’s father, John.

Following the Game 2 win, TNT analyst Charles Barkley directly addressed the situation to Haliburton during the postgame show, emphatically stating, “Free your dad! Free your dad, brother!” This plea follows Barkley’s comments after Game 1 where he directly appealed to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and the Pacers organization to lift the ban, citing that Mr. Haliburton has “paid his dues” for his previous actions.

The incident in question involves John Haliburton taunting Giannis Antetokounmpo after a previous Pacers win, an act that initially drew sharp criticism from Barkley himself, who even stated he would have “clocked him” at the time. The Pacers subsequently banned Haliburton from attending playoff games.

Now, however, Barkley has softened his stance, arguing that the punishment is excessive and urging the league and team to allow Haliburton to support his son in person for Games 3 and 4 in Indianapolis. “He did something really, really stupid. But he’s been punished. I’m asking you and the Indiana Pacers to let Mr. Haliburton back in the building for Games 3 and 4… It shouldn’t be indefinite,” Barkley stated.

The Pacers have yet to comment on Barkley’s renewed plea, but the pressure is mounting for them to reconsider the ban as the series shifts to their home court on Sunday. Whether or not Mr. Haliburton will be in attendance remains to be seen, but the Inside the NBA crew is clearly advocating for his presence.

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