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Cameras Catch Damian Lillard's Intense Altercation With Tyrese Haliburton

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonathan D Adams | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 4:01 PM ET

Damian Lillard may not have been playing in Game 1, but this did not stop the Milwaukee Bucks star from getting involved in the action. Cameras captured an intense moment between Lillard and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton in the closing minutes of the series opener.

Lillard and Haliburton had to be separated amid the exchange which occurred during a late timeout with 1:32 remaining in the game. The two stars have a bit of a history as Haliburton has previously mocked Lillard by doing his signature "Dame Time" celebration on multiple occasions.

It is unclear exactly what sparked Lillard's exchange with Haliburton in Game 1.

Here is a look at the testy altercation that garnered attention on social media.

Damian Lillard letting Tyrese Haliburton know… pic.twitter.com/HtkNo5Ww5V
— Follow HeavenlyBuckets (@Heavenlybuckets) April 19, 2025

Haliburton may be getting an up close look at Lillard sooner rather than later. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Lillard is expected to return in either Game 2 or Game 3 of the series.

Lillard appeared to mouth "you're going to see" multiple times to Haliburton during the exchange.

Dame to Tyrese “You gon see”
— BucksShowYo (@BucksShowYo) April 19, 2025

The Bucks star has not played since March 18 as Lillard was being treated for a blood clot in his right calf. In the past, Lillard has said he had no issue with Haliburton trolling the Bucks with his celebration.

Just in on NBA Countdown – Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard is expected to make his return in Game 2 or Game 3 of series against the Indiana Pacers, sources tell ESPN: pic.twitter.com/RNHT5eHfPl
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 19, 2025

"Damian Lillard tells me he was fine with Tyrese Haliburton doing a Dame Time wrist tap as the Pacers knocked the Bucks out of the semifinals - 'it's a sign of respect,'" Fox Sports' Rachel Nichols noted in a Dec. 7, 2023, message on X. "Still, he notes 'today was his day - we'll have ours.'"

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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