“You never know when your moment ends,” Knocked out of race to $500,000 prize, Damian Lillard reacts to Tyrese Haliburton mocking ‘Dame Time’ celebration

Tyrese Haliburton led his Pacers team to a 128-119 win over Lillard's Milwaukee Bucks.

“You never know when your moment ends,” Knocked out of race to $500,000 prize, Damian Lillard reacts to Tyrese Haliburton mocking ‘Dame Time’ celebration

Lillard speaks about Haliburton using his signature celebration (Image via screen grab/Twitter)

Tyrese Haliburton mocked Damian Lillard during their In-Season Tournament semi-finals face off. Haliburton flashed the “Dame Time” celebration to show that it is his time now.

Lillard was asked about his opinion during the post-game press conference. He initially said that he is willing to take it, considering the many times he has dished it out to troll other opposing players. Lillard mentioned that he was not upset by Haliburton showing off the celebration he introduced to the NBA. However, the Milwaukee Bucks’ point guard has warned Haliburton and said,

For as many times as I’ve done it to people, I can’t be upset when somebody else does it. I think that’s also a sign of respect and acknowledgment for knowing my history, knowing what I do. I didn’t mind it, it was what it was.

Lillard considers it as a sign of respect of what he has achieved in the league so far. When players use his celebration, Lillard thinks opposing players respect his impact in the league.

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However, the statement conveys that Damian Lillard basically issued a warning to Tyrese Haliburton. Lillard knows the season is long and the grind will bring the two face to face again. 

I’ve also known that when you’re having your moment, it’s important to be careful and be humble... because you just never know how the table turns and it when it’s gonna turn. I respect it.

In fact, Lillard knows some other player might beat the Pacers and return the favor to Haliburton. That is the level of talent in the league. So, Haliburton has to be humble when he has success.

Lillard has been in the league long enough to know that the young Haliburton has to keep this level of performance up for years. Consistent high-level performances can put the young Indiana Pacers star in the elite conversation.

How was the semi-finals matchup between Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton?

Tyrese Haliburton led his Pacers team to a 128-119 win over Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks. Haliburton led the Pacers with 27 points, 7 rebounds and 15 assists. All with zero turnovers. His performance in the 4th quarter was instrumental in sealing the win for the Pacers and sending them to the finals.

Damian Lillard put up 24 points against the Pacers
Damian Lillard put up 24 points against the Pacers (Image via Screengrab/Twitter)

The Milwaukee Bucks, on the other hand, had Giannis Antetokounmpo lead with 37 points and 10 rebounds. Lillard scored 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists in their losing effort. Lillard critically had just 2 points in the 4th quarter.

Lillard knows that staying humble when you have great days is important in setting the mentality for long-term success. The All-Star guard has been elite throughout his career and he was humbled time and again to know how difficult it can get.

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