Tyrese Haliburton Wants To Repair Relationship With Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard

Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard has been one of the most influential players in Tyrese Haliburton's basketball career, but a memorable moment on the court created an unexpected rift between the two guards. Now, Haliburton is opening up about what happened and taking responsibility for how their relationship changed.

During the 2025 NBA In-Season Tournament, Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers faced Lillard's Milwaukee Bucks in a heated matchup. After hitting a crucial three-pointer, Haliburton mimicked Lillard's signature "Dame Time" celebration by pointing to his wrist, a move that quickly became one of the tournament's most memorable moments.

While the celebration added another layer to the Pacers' run, it apparently affected Haliburton's relationship with Lillard beyond the basketball court. Speaking on The Zach Lowe Show, Haliburton admitted that he regrets how things unfolded between them.

"I think what I do regret more than anything is what me and Dame's relationship has become. Because he was a guy who checked on me a lot early in my career, especially when I got traded," Haliburton said. "I would love to have a conversation because I just think it became more than it ever needed to be. Put it on me. I was young, in the moment, I was having fun with it, but it was probably a little much. And whatever happened from there happened."

Haliburton's comments show that the situation was about more than a celebration during a competitive game. Lillard was someone he respected and looked up to, making the apparent distance between them more significant than a typical on-court rivalry.

For Portland Trail Blazers fans, the situation carries some extra meaning. Lillard remains one of the most beloved players in franchise history, and his influence on younger guards throughout the NBA is undeniable. Haliburton has previously acknowledged that Lillard helped inspire him, including his decision to wear the No. 0 jersey.

The two guards also share a connection through their experiences in the league, with Lillard serving as an example for Haliburton as he developed into one of the NBA's premier playmakers. Their competitive battles made for entertaining basketball, but Haliburton's latest comments suggest the celebration may have crossed a line in a relationship that previously meant a lot to him.

Ultimately, Haliburton is not necessarily apologizing for enjoying a big moment with his team. Instead, he regrets allowing that moment to contribute to a damaged relationship with someone who supported him early in his career.

Whether the two can eventually put the situation behind them remains to be seen, but Haliburton has made his position clear. He wants to reconnect with Lillard, and he is willing to accept responsibility for his part in the situation.