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via Imago
Credits: Imago
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-51-40.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
Credits: Imago
It was only a month ago that the Knicks and the Pacers mesmerized the fans with their thrilling seven-game series in the playoffs. With the matches getting highly intense and the crowd getting into it every night, we might have witnessed the renaissance of the historic rivalry. And while the season is over, it looks like there is still bad blood between the players on both teams as their superstars Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton came face to face during a live WWE event at MSG tonight, leaving the NBA World wanting more.
As WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown took place at MSG, the wrestling fans in New York were on cloud nine. But their cheers soon turned into loud boos when United States Champion Logan Paul’s music hit and the fans saw him being accompanied by none other than their arch-rival Tyrese Haliburton.
Making his way to the ring in true heel fashion, Haliburton stopped in his tracks when he saw NYC’s own Jalen Brunson sitting in the front row. Then, Brunson and Haliburton gave us an epic moment as they stared each other down while the MSG crowd cheered the Knicks superstar on and let Tyrese know that he was not welcome in New York. “We might need to get some security out here again. Hell, bring the NYPD back!” the announcer said, all hyped. With the haunting memory of the playoff loss still fresh in every Knicks faithful’s mind, the arena was filled with loud chants targeted toward the Pacers superstar even while the triple threat match between Logan Paul, LA Knight, and Santos Escobar was in full swing.
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Then, things got more heated after LA Knight came out victorious by pinning the US Champion and booked his ticket to Money In The Bank. Later, Logan and Haliburton got in the ring looking to attack a lone knight. Sending the MSG crowd into a frenzy, Brunson came to LA Knight’s rescue as he entered the ring with a steel chair and came face to face with Haliburton once again.
Jalen Brunson grimaced at his surgically repaired hand while doing a spot on WWE. Would officially be the worst way to get hurt pic.twitter.com/LOh0dgXnko
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) June 29, 2024
Despite his surgically repaired hand, Brunson was able to scare Logan and Haliburton out of the ring as LA Knight finally got to celebrate his victory in front of an elated New York crowd.
NBA World demands Jalen Brunson vs. Tyrese Haliburton
Obviously, the epic stare-down between Brunson and Haliburton caught the internet’s attention, and fans on social media couldn’t wait for the next chapter of this rivalry. And one fan even demanded the WWE to book a wrestling match between the two superstars, “Book the damn match.”
Book the damn match pic.twitter.com/eDCiy4kpcs
— Jordy P (@xcv_paul) June 29, 2024
One hopeful netizen even wanted former MVP Joel Embiid to get in the mix as he also faced the Knicks in the playoffs this year and wondered if they could turn the possible Brunson vs. Haliburton fight into a triple threat match.
Need to add @JoelEmbiid and make it a triple threat match
— Eric Archer (@ericthearcher) June 29, 2024
And while the NBA World was hoping for the two rivals to settle their rivalry at the upcoming SummerSlam pay-per-view event, one realistic fan revealed why it might not be possible. Although fans would love to see Brunson and Haliburton exchanging blows at a WWE event, Haliburton already has commitments to play in the Paris Olympics this summer. Unfortunately, that is at the same time SummerSlam is scheduled to take place. Meanwhile, Brunson is still recovering from the injury he suffered during the series against Indiana.
Haliburton will be in Paris for the Olympics as part of the Mens Basketball team. The Olympics ends on August 11. Summer Slam 2024 is August 3.
— LaVon Samuel Davis (@LaVonDavis617) June 29, 2024
Although the fans were hyped after the unexpected encounter, the viewers at home were a little disappointed because a lot of the crowd chants toward Haliburton got censored on TV because of the explicit language. And that left some fans demanding the uncensored version of the segment to enjoy the NBA and WWE crossover in all its glory.
Who has the uncensored version lol
— Alex (@GreatRajsel) June 29, 2024
Meanwhile, witnessing the MSG crowd’s resentment toward Haliburton, one netizen even demanded WWE to bring back Trae Young to rile up the New York fans even more. Notably, Trae made an appearance at a WWE event at MSG three years ago, and being the biggest villain for the Knicks fans at the time, he got a lot of heat from the crowd that night.
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Get Trae Young again if you want real heel heat.
— Jay Aquino (@theJayAquino) June 29, 2024
With so much hype around the Brunson and Haliburton stare down, fans cannot wait to see the two superstars clashing against each other again, either inside a wrestling ring or their usual NBA court. Do you want to see a wrestling match between the two rivals?
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Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the alleged Shaq and Kobe Lakers beef. Keep checking this space for more such updates.