As the Indiana Pacers enter a decisive Game 6 of the NBA Finals, their star player Tyrese Haliburton is battling through a strained right calf that has already hampered his performance. With the Pacers trailing and the pressure mounting, the fate of their season hinges on whether Haliburton can play effectively despite his injury. Pundit Stephen A. Smith is emphatic that Haliburton must take the court, highlighting the urgency of the situation for the team.
Haliburton’s Injury and Its Impact on the Series
Haliburton’s strained calf resulted in his worst showing of the postseason during Game 5, raising serious concerns about his readiness for this crucial contest. The injury does not heal quickly, and it is unclear if he will be at full strength for Game 6. Regardless of the injury’s severity, Smith argues that Haliburton should still suit up given the do-or-die nature of the match, suggesting it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Pacers franchise, which has yet to secure an NBA championship.
Stephen A. Smith Urges Haliburton to Play, With Contingency Plans
Although Smith insists on Haliburton’s presence on the court, he acknowledges the potential need for strategic adjustments if Haliburton struggles to contribute as he did in the last game.
“It’s do or die, you’re on the brink of elimination, there is no tomorrow. Absolutely, he should play, make no mistake about that, and give you what he has,”
Smith declared during First Take. However, he also cautioned the Pacers to intervene quickly if Haliburton’s performance mirrors the underwhelming output from Game 5.
Smith emphasized the importance of flexibility, stating,
“If it’s that kind of awful, impotent, pedestrian performance, then guess what, you got to pull him, and you got to see that a bit earlier, especially if TJ McConnell is flowing the way he has been flowing.”
This underscores the need for Indiana to rely on its bench depth, particularly guard TJ McConnell, who has been an effective facilitator during the series.
Haliburton’s Own Perspective on the Injury
In a recent press conference, Haliburton candidly addressed his injury status, saying that if this were the regular season, he would likely take an extended break to recover. However, recognizing the magnitude of the NBA Finals, Haliburton conveyed his intention to give everything possible despite the physical limitations. This mindset reflects his commitment to the team during a critical playoff moment.
Coach Carlisle’s Role and the Player’s Decision-Making
Stephen A. Smith trusts the judgment of the Pacers’ experienced head coach Rick Carlisle in managing the situation. He pointed out that while Carlisle’s decision-making is key, Haliburton himself has a responsibility to be honest about what he can contribute. Smith shared,
“What I would say to Tyrese Haliburton is this. You know what you can do when you’re healthy. That means you know what you’re not doing when you’re not healthy, and if you see your teammate flowing like that, there is absolutely, positively nothing wrong with you rolling over to the coach and whispering in his ear, ‘TJ is rolling.’”
This highlights the value of communication and adaptability on the court when dealing with injury concerns.
Historical Inspiration from NBA Veterans
Smith referenced a conversation with Kendrick Perkins regarding team dynamics during his tenure with the Boston Celtics alongside Kevin Garnett. He cited an example where the Celtics’ head coach Doc Rivers would lean on Garnett’s judgment about whether to rely on a particular teammate in the moment.
“Somebody would be rolling, and Doc Rivers would go to KG, and KG would say, ‘Coach, nah, he’s rolling right now. Roll with him.’ There’s nothing wrong with that, there’s no shame in that,”
Smith explained. The implication is that veteran leadership, like that displayed by Haliburton and his coach, can guide in-the-moment tactical adjustments during high-pressure games.
Implications for the Pacers’ Championship Hopes
With the series balanced precariously, the Pacers are focused solely on winning Game 6 by any means necessary. Although Haliburton’s injury restricts his usual dominant role, the team is prepared to adapt and leverage contributions from other players such as McConnell if needed. A victory would keep Indiana’s championship dreams alive; failure could mean the Thunder raise their first NBA Finals banner tonight. The stakes underscore the tension surrounding Haliburton’s potential return and how the Pacers execute their game plan under immense pressure.