NBA Stars Tyrese Haliburton & Jalen Brunson Team Up with WWE Before Eastern Conference Finals
NBA standouts Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton are bringing some WWE-style drama to their basketball showdown as the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers prepare for the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals.
A WWE-Style Feud on the Court
Their crossover began during a 2024 WWE SmackDown event at Madison Square Garden. Haliburton embraced a villainous role, wearing a “Tyrese 3:17” shirt and mocking the Knicks after the Pacers eliminated them from the playoffs. Brunson entered the ring to confront him in a moment that electrified both NBA and WWE fans.
From Basketball to Wrestling and Back
Since then, both stars have leaned into the WWE hype. Haliburton has appeared on multiple WWE shows and is even included as a playable character in the upcoming WWE 2K25 video game, set to launch June 25. Brunson hasn’t officially joined the game but has hinted at wanting to collaborate with WWE further.
Rivalry Renewed in the Playoffs
The Knicks and Pacers rivalry returns to center stage after 25 years, with both teams meeting again in the Eastern Conference Finals. Brunson is seeking revenge after last year’s Game 7 loss to Indiana, during which he sustained a broken hand. Haliburton, meanwhile, has led the Pacers through an impressive postseason run.
Sports and Entertainment Collide
With WWE jumping at the chance to spotlight this unique rivalry, fans are enjoying the mix of sports and spectacle. From WWE-themed merch to potential SummerSlam appearances, this crossover is generating buzz in both worlds.
As the Eastern Conference Finals heat up, Brunson and Haliburton’s feud adds an extra layer of excitement, showing how the lines between sports and entertainment continue to blur.
