Tyrese Haliburton delivered one final blow to New York and Knicks fans after his in-ring showdown with Jalen Brunson on WWE’s “SmackDown” at Madison Square Garden.
After being whisked away by a chair-wielding Brunson and LA Knight, Haliburton and Logan Paul ran a promo backstage, which WWE posted to its social media channels on Saturday.
Paul brought the Pacers star into the ring on Friday night and began his promo by saying he’s still the United States champion despite his Money in the Bank qualifier losses to Knight and Santo Escobar.
Then it was Haliburton’s turn to rub salt into the wound as he played the heel role and led the Pacers to a Game 7 victory at the Garden, clinching the NBA playoff second-round series and ending the Knicks’ season.
“I’m happy that New York won,” Haliburton said. “Everybody’s feeling good and playing well. It’s really good. Hopefully everybody can sleep well tonight.”
Paul added: “Yeah, you guys are all the worst.”
Wrestling promos are meant to be fun and flashy, so it’s likely that Haliburton bears no real ill will towards New York, even if he was seen wearing a Reg Miller hoodie after Indiana’s Game 7 win.
The scripted showdown between Haliburton and Brunson began with the Pacers wing walking ringside and locking eyes with Brunson on the other side of the barricade.
Late in the bout, Haliburton tried to use his signature brass knuckles move to help Paul secure the win, but Brunson leapt over the barricade to tackle his rival.
Doing so prevented Paul from using the brass knuckles, giving Knight a chance to score the victory.
Brunson was seemingly taken away by security, but returned to the ring with a steel chair, prompting Haliburton and Paul to cease their attack on Knight.
Brunson and Haliburton have a longstanding rivalry and feel destined to face off again in the playoffs with the Knicks and Pacers in the midst of a chance to win the NBA championship.
