Tyrese Haliburton struggled with a calf injury during Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday, where the Indiana Pacers fell 120-109 to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite the setback, Haliburton expressed his strong intention to play in Game 6, scheduled for Thursday, emphasizing the importance of being on the court for the biggest stage of his career.
Speaking to reporters after the loss, Haliburton made his stance clear:
“I mean, it’s the NBA Finals,”
and added,
“It’s the Finals—I’ve worked my whole life to be here. It was not really a thought of mine to not play here. If I can walk, then I want to play.”
Coach Carlisle Confirms Haliburton’s Injury, Expects Him to Play Next Game
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged Haliburton was not fully healthy but expects him to take the court in the upcoming contest. He told reporters,
“He’s not 100 percent. It’s pretty clear. But I don’t think he’s going to miss the next game.”
Haliburton’s Struggles and the Pacers’ Challenges in Game 5
During the Game 5 loss, Haliburton’s performance was noticeably affected by his injury, as he scored only four points while shooting 0-for-6 from the field and 0-for-4 from three-point range. He briefly left the game in the first half and was seen limping at times after returning. This was a marked contrast to his usually strong and clutch performances throughout the Pacers’ playoff run.
At halftime, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Haliburton was contending with calf tightness, a detail that heightened concern among fans and analysts as the Pacers faced elimination trailing 3-2 in the series.
Turnovers Hampering Pacers’ Chances Amid Injury Concerns
While Haliburton’s injury was a major storyline, the Pacers’ defeat was also influenced by costly mistakes on the court, including 22 turnovers against Oklahoma City’s tight defense. Haliburton reflected on this issue, saying,
“In all three of our losses in the series, turnovers have been a big reason why,”
and added,
“We have to do a better job of taking care of the ball if we want a chance to win Game 6. We’ve got to approach the game the right way.”
He was responsible for only three turnovers himself, meaning his ability to handle the ball effectively while managing his injury could prove crucial for the Pacers’ hopes to force a Game 7 in Oklahoma City.
The Stakes for Haliburton and the Pacers Moving Forward
Haliburton’s commitment to playing through pain highlights the high stakes as the Pacers face elimination in Game 6. His health and performance will significantly impact Indiana’s chances of extending the series and possibly shifting momentum heading into a decisive final game. The tension surrounding his condition and the team’s need to minimize turnovers only add to the pressure as the Finals progress.