Tyrese Haliburton is not fully healthy as the Indiana Pacers prepare for Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Following a 120-109 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5, head coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged that Haliburton is managing an injury.
In the last game, Haliburton struggled, scoring only four points and failing to make a shot from the field during his 34 minutes on the court. “He’s not 100 percent,” Carlisle stated during the postgame press conference. “It’s pretty clear. But I don’t think he’s going to miss the next game.”
Haliburton re-aggravated a lower-leg injury he initially sustained in Game 2 of the Finals. He confirmed it was in the same area that has caused him discomfort. Despite the tightness in his lower calf, which almost sidelined him at halftime Monday night, Haliburton insisted on continuing to play.
“It’s the Finals, man. It’s the NBA Finals,” Haliburton remarked. “I’ve worked my whole life to be here and I want to be out there to compete, help my teammates any way I can. I was not great tonight by any means, but it’s not really a thought of mine to not play here. If I can help walk, then I want to play. Gotta be ready to go for Game 6.”
Although Carlisle noted that Haliburton contributed positively in the second half, the guard’s offensive output was hampered by his injury, as he finished the game 0-6 from the field, including four missed three-point attempts. The Pacers also struggled with ball control, tallying 22 turnovers, including three by Haliburton.
“All three of our losses in this series, turnovers have been a big reason why,” Haliburton acknowledged.
Meanwhile, Thunder small forward Jalen Williams had a standout performance, scoring 40 points along with six rebounds and four assists, helping Oklahoma City move within one victory of their first championship.
Despite the severity of his injury, Haliburton made it clear he intends to play in Game 6, which will take place in Indianapolis as the Pacers’ season hangs in the balance. “The thought is if you lose, your season is over,” he emphasized. “Our backs are against the wall. We take pride in playing at home in front of our fans and our fans are amazing, so we know they’re going to come out with a ton of energy in Game 6. So, we’re going to have to respond and be better and look forward to the challenge. … You got to look at Game 6 like it’s a Game 7. If you lose, your season is over.”