The Big Lead

Charles Barkley rips Tyrese Haliburton's 'idiot' dad for Giannis Antetokounmpo clash

NBA on TNT's Charles Barkley had some harsh words for Tyrese Haliburton's father after a confrontation with Giannis Antetokounmpo following the Pacers-Bucks OT thriller.

By Josh Sanchez

NBA TV analyst Charles Barkley talks on set before Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals.
NBA TV analyst Charles Barkley talks on set before Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals. / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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NBA fans were treated to an instant classic on Tuesday night when the Indiana Pacers narrowly snuck past the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference series to punch their ticket to the second-round.

Unfortunately, tempers flared after the game when Tyrese Haliburton's father, John Haliburton, walked onto the court and started chirping in Giannis Antetokounmpo's face.

As John Haliburton started to walk away, Giannis wasn't going to let things slide so he got in Poppa 'Burton's face for a heated exchange before Bucks staffers pulled pulled him away.

MORE: Tyrese Haliburton talks dad, Giannis Antetokounmpo's altercation, says dad was wrong

After the game, Haliburton said his father was in the wrong, while his father issued an apology. The Inside the NBA crew discussed the confrontation after the game and had a heated exchange of their own when Charles Barkley and Shaq had differing opinions.

Shaq was defending John Haliburton, while Barkley ripped into Haliburton's "idiot" father.

"You can’t do that. His dad was 100 percent wrong," Barkley said. "What is his dad doing on the court?! His dad is not supposed to be on the court. He’s an idiot, and if you think that’s right, you’re an idiot, too."

WATCH: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyrese Haliburton's dad exchange words after OT thriller

When Haliburton is agreeing with Barkley in the argument, you have to side with him as well.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on in the final seconds of the game against the Indiana Pacers.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on in the final seconds of the game against the Indiana Pacers. / Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Antetokounmpo left his all on the court in what could be his final game in a Bucks uniform, finishing the game with a 30 point, 20 rebound, and 13 assist triple-double. Haliburton, meanwhile, led the Pacers with 26 points along with five rebounds and nine assists.

WATCH: Gary Trent Jr. watches Milwaukee Bucks season slip through fingers in OT heartbreaker

Up next for Haliburton and the Pacers is a showdown with the No. 1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton a win over the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Playoffs.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton a win over the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Playoffs. / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

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