Tyrese Haliburton’s decision to wear Ann Meyers’ Pacers jersey was more than a nod to history—it was a statement
By honoring one of basketball’s first female pioneers, he sparked conversations about the importance of women’s sports and their rightful place in basketball history.
With icons like Billie Jean King taking notice, Haliburton’s tribute proves that celebrating trailblazers can inspire the next generation of athletes, regardless of gender.
Indiana won’t have much time to dwell on this defeat, as they prepare for a matchup against the league-worst Washington Wizards (9-44) on Wednesday.
Facing a struggling Wizards squad provides the Pacers with an opportunity to get back on track, but they must address their defensive lapses and rediscover their offensive rhythm to avoid another upset.
For Haliburton and the Pacers, the goal remains clear: bounce back, strengthen their playoff push, and honor the competitive spirit of basketball legends like Ann Meyers through their performances on the court.
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Tyrese Haliburton Pays Tribute to Women’s Basketball Pioneer Ann Meyers
A Meaningful Tribute on Game Day
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton made headlines ahead of Tuesday’s game against the New York Knicks—not just for his on-court performance but for his off-court tribute to one of basketball’s pioneers.1
The two-time NBA All-Star arrived at Gainbridge Fieldhouse wearing a vintage No. 15 Indiana Pacers jersey, honoring Ann Meyers.
His nod to history quickly garnered praise from fans and legends alike, including tennis icon Billie Jean King.
paris sounds @HaliburtonBros🇫🇷 https://t.co/lsnaVcgzgt
— Tyrese Haliburton (@TyHaliburton22) February 2, 2025
Who is Ann Meyers? A Trailblazer in Women’s Basketball
Ann Meyers is one of the most influential figures in women’s basketball. In 1974, she made history as the first woman to receive a full athletic scholarship to play basketball at UCLA.
Her dominance on the court set the stage for the evolution of women’s sports, and her talent extended beyond the collegiate level.
In 1979, Meyers became the first woman to sign an NBA contract when she inked a $50,000 deal with the Indiana Pacers.
Though she did not make the final roster after a three-day tryout, her groundbreaking contract shattered barriers for women in sports and proved that female athletes could compete at the highest levels.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Gesture: More Than Just a Jersey
Haliburton’s decision to wear Meyers’ jersey was not just a fashion statement—it was a powerful acknowledgment of her contributions to basketball.2
The Pacers organization joined in the tribute by recognizing Meyers’ impact on their official social media accounts.
In an era where women’s basketball is experiencing a surge in popularity, Haliburton’s gesture was a timely reminder of the pioneers who paved the way.
His tribute served as a bridge between generations of basketball players, celebrating the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done for gender equality in sports.
Billie Jean King’s Seal of Approval
A few hours after Haliburton’s tribute, legendary tennis champion and activist Billie Jean King took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her appreciation.
King, a staunch advocate for women’s equality in sports, simply wrote, “Love to see it!” in response to the Pacers star’s gesture.
King’s words carried weight, as she has been at the forefront of the fight for equal pay and recognition in women’s sports.
She founded both the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the Women’s Sports Foundation, institutions that continue to push for equal opportunities for female athletes.
The Growing Influence of Women’s Basketball
Haliburton’s tribute comes at a time when women’s basketball is enjoying increased recognition. The WNBA is witnessing record-breaking viewership, rising attendance, and expanding sponsorships.
College basketball stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have further boosted the game’s popularity, proving that women’s basketball has a strong fanbase.
With NBA players like Haliburton acknowledging the pioneers of the game, it signals an important shift in how the basketball community as a whole values its female counterparts.
His jersey tribute sends a message that the history of women’s basketball is just as vital as the men’s game.
More Than a Moment: The Need for Continued Support
While Haliburton’s tribute was widely celebrated, it also underscores the ongoing need for support and investment in women’s sports.
Increased media coverage, better financial opportunities, and stronger institutional backing are necessary for sustained growth.
The NBA has made strides in supporting the WNBA, with several players openly advocating for women’s basketball.
However, more work needs to be done in terms of equal pay, facilities, and overall visibility. Haliburton’s small yet powerful gesture is a reminder that male athletes have a platform to uplift and celebrate women in sports.
Also Read: Tyrese Haliburton (NBA): Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Family, Net Worth 2024 and More
Tyrese Haliburton’s Pacers Fall to Knicks
Knicks Overpower Pacers in Indianapolis
Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers faced a tough challenge on Monday night, suffering a 128-115 loss to the New York Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.3
Despite Haliburton’s pregame tribute to Hall of Famer Ann Meyers, the Pacers couldn’t capitalize on their home-court advantage, falling behind in the second half as the Knicks dominated both ends of the floor.
Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns and versatile wing Josh Hart played crucial roles in leading the Knicks to victory.
Towns poured in 36 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Hart added 34 points and 11 boards, combining for an impressive 70 points on 26-for-39 shooting.
Their efficiency and relentless effort helped New York secure a critical road win despite missing key contributors due to injuries and foul trouble.
Haliburton’s Tribute to Ann Meyers
Before the game, Tyrese Haliburton honored Ann Meyers, a basketball legend and pioneer who broke barriers for women in the sport.
Meyers, known for being the first woman to sign an NBA contract and a key figure in Indiana basketball history, has long been an inspiration for players across generations.
Haliburton spoke about her impact on the game and dedicated his performance to her, hoping to channel her competitive spirit on the court.
Although he put together a solid stat line—16 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and two three-pointers on 7-for-15 shooting—Haliburton couldn’t guide his team to victory.
The Pacers struggled defensively, allowing the Knicks to shoot 54.3% from the field, and their offense faltered late in the game.
Tyrese Haliburton: New York’s Duo Dominates Despite Adversity
Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart’s performances were the deciding factors in the contest.
Towns showcased his ability to score inside and out, hitting a variety of jumpers and finishing strong at the rim. His presence in the paint gave the Knicks a significant advantage, as Indiana struggled to contain him.
Meanwhile, Hart’s relentless hustle and scoring ability proved to be a major asset for New York. The veteran wing consistently attacked the basket, converted tough shots, and played strong perimeter defense.
His energy set the tone for the Knicks, especially in key moments when Indiana attempted to mount a comeback.
Despite injuries sidelining key players like Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, the Knicks’ resilience shone through.
Their depth, coupled with outstanding performances from Towns and Hart, propelled them to an important win as they continue to push for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.
Tyrese Haliburton: Gold Rush
Tyrese Haliburton and PUMA introduced All-Pro NITRO Gold Rush, which is specially designed for players who want to stand out while dominating the game.
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Pacers Struggle Defensively
One of the main reasons for Indiana’s struggles was their inability to contain the Knicks’ offensive attack.
The Pacers allowed New York to dominate in the paint and failed to rotate effectively on the perimeter, leading to high-percentage looks.
Myles Turner, Indiana’s defensive anchor, had a tough night against Towns, who exploited mismatches and drew frequent fouls.
Indiana’s defensive woes were exacerbated by the absence of strong contributions from their bench, as the second unit failed to slow down the Knicks’ momentum.
Tyrese Haliburton: Pacers’ Offensive Woes Continue
While Indiana has one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, they struggled to keep up with the Knicks’ firepower.
Haliburton, the team’s offensive engine, played well but wasn’t at his most dominant. The Pacers missed his usual explosive scoring and high-volume playmaking, which limited their ability to counter New York’s runs.
Bennedict Mathurin contributed 22 points, providing some offensive support, but the Pacers lacked consistent scoring from their supporting cast.
Pascal Siakam, one of their key midseason acquisitions, finished with a modest 14 points and six rebounds, failing to make a significant impact in key stretches.
Playoff Implications for Both Teams
With this loss, the Pacers fell to 29-23 on the season, continuing a recent slump that has seen them drop multiple games in a competitive Eastern Conference playoff race.
Indiana remains in the hunt for a top-six seed, but with teams like the Knicks, Heat, and 76ers also vying for positioning, every game carries weight.
On the other hand, the Knicks’ victory boosts their standing as they push for a higher seed.
Despite injuries, their depth has allowed them to maintain their competitive edge, and performances like this one from Towns and Hart indicate they are a legitimate postseason threat.
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