Following the Indiana Pacers' 120-109 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, the spotlight has intensified on the health of star guard Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton appeared to aggravate a right leg injury during the game, visibly struggling and ultimately contributing a mere four points—a playoff career-low—to the Pacers' effort.
After the game, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle addressed Haliburton's condition, stating, "He's not 100%, it's pretty clear." Carlisle's assessment underscores the impact of the injury on Haliburton's performance, a stark contrast to his usual dynamism on the court. Despite the obvious discomfort, Carlisle doesn't anticipate Haliburton missing Game 6, adding, "We were concerned at halftime, he insisted on playing, and I thought he made a lot of good things happen in the second half, but he's not 100%." This speaks volumes about Haliburton's determination to compete in the NBA Finals.
The injury initially occurred late in the first quarter when Haliburton lost his balance, causing him to fall awkwardly and grimace in pain. He briefly retreated to the locker room before returning to play 34 minutes. However, he was visibly hobbled, shooting 0-for-6 from the field. The recurring nature of the leg issue adds another layer of concern. Haliburton was seen limping after Game 2, downplaying it as "just a lower leg thing" before Game 3.
Haliburton himself acknowledged the significance of playing in the Finals, stating, "It's the Finals, man. I've worked my whole life to be here, and I want to be out there to compete and help my teammates any way I can... If I can walk, then I want to play." Despite his limited impact in Game 5, where he was scoreless at halftime for the first time in his playoff career, his commitment to playing through the pain is evident.
Pascal Siakam also praised Haliburton's resilience, calling him "a fighter" and "our rock all year," highlighting his importance to the team's success.
However, not all commentary surrounding Haliburton's injury has been supportive. ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins sparked controversy with his harsh criticism of Haliburton during the game. Perkins suggested Haliburton was "playing scared" and stated, "Sit him down... because I don't want to hear anymore excuses." These comments drew immediate backlash from fans who felt they were insensitive. Stephen A. Smith also made comments that were not well received.
Looking ahead, the Pacers face a must-win situation in Game 6 to avoid elimination. The team will closely monitor Haliburton's condition. The Pacers need Haliburton to step up if they hope to force a Game 7.
