Video: Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Taunts Pacers’ Haliburton with a Chair at WWE SmackDown
Andrew PetersJune 29, 2024
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
NBA fans already got to see Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton face off against New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson, but it seems the two might be taking their rivalry to the wrestling mat.
At WWE Smackdown on Friday, Haliburton, who walked out with Logan Paul, found Brunson in the crowd and the two engaged in a staredown.
WWE on FOX @WWEonFOXTyrese Haliburton vs. Jalen Brunson š¤Æ@NBA #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/UKqEjXRHCy
WWE @WWE.@LoganPaul š¤ @TyHaliburton22
Watch out, @TyHaliburton22! @jalenbrunson1 is watching you š#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/4bHSyz1HcS
The two stars also got in the ring, with Brunson taunting Haliburton with a chair:
WWE on FOX @WWEonFOXTHIS IS AWESOME#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/lrQPRRmqb9
Brunson later tweeted that it was a “childhood dream” of his to participate in SmackDown.
Jalen Brunson @jalenbrunson1Just lived out a childhood dream and yes the hand fine lol yall can relax š
Haliburton also chimed in, saying he’s the “true king of the ring.”
Tyrese Haliburton @TyHaliburton22True King of the Ringš @TheGarden https://t.co/bgTKHiKLK1
While it would make for some great entertainment, it’s probably best if Haliburton doesn’t get heavily involved in SmackDown considering he’s gearing up to compete at the Paris Olympics with Team USA.
While Haliburton and Brunson stepped into the ring together for a brief period, fans already got quite the battle in the NBA playoffs last month.
The series between the Pacers and Knicks went to seven games with Indiana ultimately pulling away to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Brunson was electric throughout the playoffs and averaged 29.7 points against the Pacers before suffering a broken hand in Game 7. Haliburton averaged 21.3 points per game in the series.
While Brunson outperformed Haliburton, it wasn’t enough to get past Indiana.
But a friendly rivalry between Brunson and Haliburton seems to be forming as the two young stars enter their primes. Both put up career numbers this season and are seemingly on their way to being two of the next big stars in the NBA.
Maybe wrestling careers could come for Brunson and Haliburton after their playing days are over.
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