During the 2024 NBA playoffs, the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers reignited their intense rivalry from the 1990s with a grueling second-round series that extended to seven games. Part of the excitement surrounding this current clash is the matchup between All-Star point guards Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton. While they didn’t always go head-to-head on the court due to defensive assignments, both players are among the top point guards in the league and could potentially face off in the playoffs for years to come.
To keep the rivalry alive, Brunson and Haliburton took their competition off the basketball court and into the wrestling ring on Friday night at Madison Square Garden during “WWE SmackDown.” Despite the crowd favoring the Knicks guard in his home arena, Indiana’s star wasn’t intimidated by the hostile environment. The two rivals faced off at ringside during a “Money in the Bank” qualifying match alongside Logan Paul, LA Knight, and Santos Escobar. When Haliburton intended to give Paul his brass knuckles to use in the match, Brunson couldn’t resist getting involved.
In a showdown that included steel chairs and brass knuckles, the two NBA All-Stars were pivotal in the match’s outcome. Brunson, who was the fourth-leading scorer in the league, and Haliburton, who led in assists per game, brought their athleticism and intensity to the wrestling ring. Ultimately, it was Knight who emerged victorious by outmaneuvering Paul with assistance from both Brunson and Haliburton.
Both players played their roles convincingly, with Haliburton taunting the crowd and engaging in theatrics while Brunson portrayed a fierce competitor prepared for battle. The crossover between basketball and wrestling showcased the intensity and competitiveness that define their on-court performances. As fans eagerly anticipate the next showdown between the Knicks and Pacers, fueled by the rivalry between their star point guards, it remains to be seen if the matchup can live up to the drama and excitement of “SmackDown” but perhaps the intensity will be matched during the playoffs.