The 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers had a surprising twist during Friday Night’s SmackDown at Madison Square Garden. Wrestler Logan Paul made a grand entrance with Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton for his Money in the Bank qualifying match against LA Knight and Santos Escobar.
As Haliburton entered the ring, he spotted Knicks guard Jalen Brunson in the audience and stepped to him. The two exchanged words before being separated by WWE officials, with “MVP!” chants for Brunson erupting in the Garden.
Haliburton retrieved Paul’s brass knuckles as the match progressed, causing Brunson to take action. The two exchanged words before being separated by WWE officials, with “MVP!” chants for Brunson erupting in the Garden.
Eventually, Haliburton entered the ring to join forces with Paul, but Brunson slid in with a steel chair and exchanged words with the Pacers All-Star. This led to Knight and Brunson forcing Haliburton and Paul out of the ring, much to the delight of the Madison Square Garden crowd.
In May, the Pacers defeated the Knicks in Game 7 to advance to the Eastern Conference finals. Brunson had exited that game in the third quarter due to a broken hand. However, on Friday night, he proved that he was fully recovered and ready for action.