Tyrese Haliburton shows love to ESPN host after admitting he was 'late to the party'

Scott Van Pelt earned the respect from the Indiana Pacers star after issuing an apology to Haliburton after Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton talks after the Pacers defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton talks after the Pacers defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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In the modern age of sports media where everything is about hot takes and being right all the time, one of ESPN's biggest personalities showed what being a broadcaster is all about after sharing a wholesome moment with Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton at the NBA Finals.

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Scott Van Pelt is one of the best hosts ESPN has to offer, and it's often because he's normally known for his witty personality and ability to connect with players after games have reached their conclusion. That was the case Thursday after the Pacers stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the finals.

However, Van Pelt's interaction with Haliburton had a rare moment where the SportsCenter host actually apologized to the Pacers clutch shooter for "being late to the party" on the player after continuing to show up in a big way for Indiana this season.

Haliburton was equally gracious in the moment, stating that after Indiana's "rough" start to the season that the Pacers needed to regain form and come together as a team to make this incredible run.

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