Pacers Fan Attacked in NYC, Haliburton Responds with Class
It’s not all love in the Big Apple. A Pacers fan was attacked in NYC after the Knicks beat the Boston Celtics to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The video of the incident shows the fan, identified as firefighter Hans Perez, being chased, taunted, and hit with trash by a crowd of rowdy Knicks supporters.
This wasn’t just trash talk—it turned physical, and it took NYPD intervention to stop it from getting worse.
Video Goes Viral: “Don’t Come to NY Reppin’ the Opp Team”
After the footage hit social media, fans across the country reacted. Many were shocked, others disappointed, and some outraged. I get it, rivalries are a big part of the game, this incident crossed the line. The now-viral message shouted by the crowd was crystal clear:
“Don’t come to NY reppin’ the opp team.”
For fans like Hans, who traveled simply to support the Pacers, it was an unforgettable—and frightening—moment. Fortunatly, the story doesn’t end there.
Tyrese Haliburton Steps Up with Class
In the midst of the backlash, Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton saw the video and made a bold move. Instead of just reposting or reacting, he personally invited Hans to Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals back in Indianapolis—and is flying him out himself. Haliburton’s response turned what could have been a story rooted in hate into a moment of healing and pride. The city of Indianapolis stood tall behind him, applauding the move and showing what Hoosier hospitality is all about.
A Message to Traveling Pacers Fans
To any Pacers fans heading to New York City, stay alert. While repping your squad is always encouraged, make sure you’re also watching your surroundings. Indy fans move with pride—and with purpose. Let this be a reminder that the Pacers fan attacked in NYC is now a symbol of how we move as a unit. When one of ours is targeted, we respond with unity and strength.
💡 Want to see the original video?
Here’s the latest from WTHR:
👉 Pacers fan attacked in NYC, Haliburton flies him to Game 4
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