Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Brunson revive rivalry at WWE SmackDown

The unfinished business of the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers found a natural ground within the WWE realm.

During Friday Night's SmackDown, wrestler Logan Paulmade a grand entrance with Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton for his Money in the Bank qualifying match against LA Knight and Santos Escobar at Madison Square Garden.

As Haliburton made his way to the ring with Paul, he spotted a familiar foe in the audience -- Knicks guard Jalen Brunson-- and stepped to him.

In May, the Pacers defeated the Knicks in Game 7 to advance to the Eastern Conference finals. Brunson exited in the third quarter of that loss due to a broken hand.

Haliburton tried to breeze past Brunson on Friday, but the 6-foot-2 guard was unintimidated as the two took part in a stare-down. Haliburton proceeded with his stroll as he giggled.

Indiana's star guard retrieved Paul's brass knuckles as the match progressed before banging them on the steel stairs, triggering Brunson to take action.

The two exchanged words before being separated by WWE officials, resulting in "MVP!" chants for Brunson erupting in the Garden.

Haliburton eventually entered the ring to join forces with Paul. Brunson proceeded to slide into the ring with a black steel chair and exchange words with the Pacers All-Star.

Knight and Brunson's presence pushed Haliburton and Paul out of the ring, leading to cheers filling Garden as one-fourth of the Villanova Knicks defended their home.

Brunson posted about the experience on X, while emphasizing that his previously injured hand felt fine.