Tyrese Haliburton Endures Injury During Pacers' NBA Finals Loss

In a tense Game 5 of the NBA Finals held on June 16, 2025, the Indiana Pacers faced a significant setback as they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder, 120-109, placing them in a precarious position in the series. The game was notably marked by the performance of Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, who played through a lower leg injury sustained in the first quarter after an awkward fall. Haliburton briefly exited the game for treatment but returned to the court, demonstrating remarkable resilience despite clearly being hampered by the injury.

Haliburton's performance was concerning; he logged 34 minutes but managed only four points, all from free throws, marking his first score of the game with just over seven minutes left in the third quarter. This was particularly alarming as it was the first time in his playoff career that he finished a half without scoring. "If I can walk, then I want to play," Haliburton stated, underscoring his commitment to the team during this critical juncture of the Finals.

Pacers' head coach Rick Carlisle expressed concern about Haliburton's condition, noting, "We were concerned at halftime, and he insisted on playing. I thought he made a lot of really good things happen in the second half. But he’s not 100%. There’s a lot of guys in the series that aren’t." Haliburton's injury has been an ongoing issue throughout the series; he showed signs of limping after Game 2 and downplayed its impact by referring to it as a "lower leg thing" prior to Game 3.

The Pacers now find themselves in a challenging position, trailing in a series for the first time this postseason. They had previously swept through the playoffs, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks without falling behind at any stage. With their current 3-2 deficit against the Thunder, the Pacers must win Game 6 at home to force a decisive Game 7.

Haliburton's ability to contribute effectively in the next game remains uncertain. "I’ve worked my whole life to be here, and I want to be able to compete, help my teammates any way I can," he emphasized, showing his determination to play despite the pain. His teammates, including forward Pascal Siakam, acknowledged his significant role in their success, stating, "He’s been our rock all year. He’s a big reason why we’re here. I don’t know exactly what’s wrong, but I know he’s fighting and he’s going to give us everything he’s got."

As the Pacers prepare for Game 6, the focus will be on Haliburton's health and the team's ability to adapt to the Thunder's strategies, having lost two consecutive games for the first time since March. This pivotal moment not only tests the Pacers' resilience but also Haliburton's commitment to his team and their quest for an NBA title.