Tyrese Haliburton Seeks Reconciliation With Damian Lillard After “Dame Time” Feud

Tyrese Haliburton wants to repair his relationship with Damian Lillard, acknowledging his regret over how a post-game celebration during the 2023 In-Season Tournament turned a friendly bond into a strained rivalry, according to reports and subsequent coverage.

The 2023 In-Season Tournament Celebration That Shifted the Dynamic

During the December 2023 NBA Cup Semifinal matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the Milwaukee Bucks, Tyrese Haliburton sealed a victory by hitting a deep three-pointer in the final minute. Upon securing the basket, the Indiana point guard looked at his wrist in a direct imitation of Damian Lillard’s signature “Dame Time” celebration. The gesture created an immediate rift between two players who had previously maintained a close mentorship.

Appearing on The Zach Lowe Show, Tyrese Haliburton addressed the fallout directly. I think what I do regret more than anything is what me and Dame’s relationship has become, Haliburton said. Because he was a guy who checked on me a lot early in my career, especially when I got transferred [from the Sacramento Kings to the Pacers in 2022].

Contrasting Perspectives on the Court Rivalry

While the celebration sparked a competitive feud that carried over into subsequent matchups—including the Eastern Conference Playoffs—Damian Lillard maintained a measured public stance on the incident.

When I was gamin, I’ve learned that when you do something to others, you have to be ready to receive it as well, Damian Lillard stated at the time. Vu toutes les fois où je l’ai fait aux gens, je ne peux pas être contrarié quand quelqu’un d’autre me le fait. Je pense que c’est aussi un signe de respect et de considération… Mais je sais aussi que, lorsqu’on vit ce genre de moments, il est important d’être prudent et humble.

Despite Lillard’s public acceptance of the moment, the relationship cooled considerably. Subsequent postseason encounters between the Pacers and the Bucks featured visible on-court jawing, cementing a competitive rivalry that outlasted the tournament itself.

Haliburton Seeks to Reconcile with Lillard After Injuries

Both guards missed extended time during the 2025–26 NBA season due to Achilles tendon injuries, keeping them off the floor while their respective teams adjusted. Now approaching full health for the upcoming 2026–27 campaign, Tyrese Haliburton is looking to clear the air.

I would love to have a conversation [with Lillard] because I just think it became more than it ever needed to be, Haliburton explained. Put it on me. I was young, in the moment, I was having fun with it, but it was probably a little much. And whatever happened from there happened.

Upcoming Matchups on the 2026–27 NBA Schedule

With both players returning to competition, the schedule provides two primary opportunities for a face-to-face discussion. The Indiana Pacers are set to host Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers on December 17, followed by a return game in Portland on February 18, 2027.