Indiana Pacers standout Tyrese Haliburton is believed to have sustained a right calf strain during Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. According to ESPN, the guard will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the injury.
The Pacers, now trailing 3-2 in the series, face a must-win Game 6 in Indianapolis on Thursday. Haliburton appeared to worsen the injury in the first quarter of Game 5 but chose to stay in the game, finishing with just four points on 0-for-6 shooting, along with seven rebounds and six assists.
“It’s the Finals,” Haliburton said postgame. “I’ve dreamed of this my whole life. If I can walk, I want to be out there helping my team.”
Despite not being at full strength, Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle praised Haliburton’s determination. “He’s clearly not 100 percent, but I don’t think he’ll sit out the next game,” Carlisle said. “He insisted on playing and still made some key plays.”
Through 21 postseason appearances, Haliburton is averaging 17.9 points, 9.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals.