In the NBA Finals are reaching a boiling point, the Indiana Pacers are at a critical moment, not only in the Game 6, but the well being of their star guard, Tyrese Haliburton.
During Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 24-year-old All-Star, who is known to be one of the best in terms of playmaking and court vision, injured his right leg.
There is no indication of whether it is a new injury or a recurrence of a long-standing problem. Haliburton himself acknowledged after the game, that he is not too sure whether it is the same injury or a new one.
Either, it is the worst possible time.
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Haliburton will be undergoing an MRI today, Tuesday, June 17 to ascertain the complete damage. An individual familiar with the circumstances spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity, confirming the scan has been scheduled and may furnish key information before Thursday night in Game 6 at Indianapolis.
What Went on in Game 5
It happened in the first part of the match when Haliburton drove to the basket. He stumbled and caught at his right calf. People inside the arena held their breath when he was seen limping to the locker room with the team medical staff. His absence was evident in the faltering offense of the Pacers.
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Haliburton reappeared in the second quarter to the relief of the crowd, but evidently was not himself. He reached a career-low in the postseason making four points, and missing all his field goals. The Thunder managed to beat Indiana, 120-109, to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.
MRI Results may alter everything
The outcomes of the MRI today might change the atmosphere of the Finals dramatically. Though initially, there was speculation on ESPN that Haliburton is suffering an injured right calf, no information is established until doctors review the results of the scans.
The pacer head coach Rick Carlisle is projected to issue an update during the presser made on Wednesday, June 18, after a team practice. The basketball world waits until then.
After Game 5, Carlisle conceded that he is not a hundred percent. It is a simple matter of fact. I cannot imagine that he will miss the next game. At halftime we were worried and he insisted on playing.”
The Warrior Mentality of Haliburton
Haliburton is not about to sit out, should he get his way.
It is the Finals, man, he said after the game. I have spent all my life to reach this point and I want to show my presence out there to compete. Be helpful to my teammates as much as possible.”
Although he was not very effective in Game 5, Haliburton is simply in the game, which improves team morale and spacing. His leadership and basketball IQ is something that you cannot replace readily.
I was not in good form to-night at all, he went on. Oh, I do not mean that I do not like to play here. walk? I want to play. Gotta be prepared to play Game 6.”
Pacers Team in Limbo
Indiana is in a sticky situation. Being behind by three games to two, Game 6 is a match win or lose. And with Haliburton still not playing to his full potential, or better yet, not playing at all, the team is going to be in deep trouble against the rampaging Thunder.
The Pacers depend on the skills of Haliburton in terms of initiating offense, regulating tempo, and creating open shots for teammates. His absence, even in part, translates to more loads on such players as Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, and rookie phenom Ben Sheppard.
It is also possible that backup guard Andrew Nembhard will receive increased usage in case of Haliburton limitation or absence. Nembhard has been steady during the playoffs, however, an elimination game during the Finals is an experience all its own.
What’s Next?
Game 6 will have the last injury report on Thursday, June 19. Although the team may state the condition of Haliburton at any time, a lot is left to the current MRI. Players, analysts and fans are all hoping that the news will be good.
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Meanwhile, Oklahoma City has been on the rise. Led by their MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and with other young stars such as Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams playing with confidence, the Thunder are on the verge of their first NBA championship since 1979.
However, the Pacers are not willing to give up yet, especially when they have their home crowd by their side and a hard-loving leader like Haliburton who is willing to keep them on the court.
Siakam said: We got one more game at home. We are familiar with the stakes. We do know what we have to do. Hopefully Tyrese is ready to go, but either way we will be ready.”
The Bottom Line
A single MRI may alter the course of this NBA Finals. To Tyrese Haliburton, it is not so much about basketball but rather about grit, heart, and legacy.
The Pacers are now or never.
