The Indiana Pacers are stepping up to support their fans.
After a Pacers supporter was harassed outside Madison Square Garden, especially following the New York Knicks’ elimination in the playoffs, this incident didn’t go unnoticed. The fan, who faced aggression from Knicks supporters, caught the attention of ESPN host Pat McAfee. In a show of solidarity, Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton has vowed to treat the fan to a special experience.
“I found you yesterday and wanted to reach out,” Haliburton shared on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday. “I want to invite you and a friend to Game 4 in Indiana. The organization and the whole team want to take care of you and have you meet everyone.”
The fan, Hans Perez, works as a firefighter and expressed hope of making it to the event but noted he might need to adjust his work schedule.
“That’s fantastic,” Perez said in response. “Thank you, Tyrese, you’re amazing. The team has been incredible, and I really appreciate this.”
Perez’s troubles began when he was hit in the back of the head with a trash bag while trying to escape a rowdy group of Knicks fans who were chasing him through the streets.
The Knicks have advanced to face the Pacers in the playoffs, marking the second consecutive season they meet in this critical stage. It’s noteworthy that this is the Knicks’ first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000.
