Haliburton Plays Through Injury in Pacers’ Loss
In Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton insisted on playing despite a right calf strain, demonstrating his commitment to the team. Despite initial concerns and an apparent aggravation of the injury during the first quarter, Haliburton returned to the game after halftime, although his production was limited. Haliburton scored four points, matching his lowest scoring record in the playoffs, and failed to score any field goals for the first time in his postseason career.Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged that Haliburton wasn’t 100%, but he didn’t expect him to miss any games, especially with Indiana’s season on the line. The Pacers are now down 3-2 in the series, and the sixth game will be played in Indianapolis on Thursday.It’s the Final. I’ve worked my whole life to be here and I want to be on the court to compete, help my teammates in any way I can.
Tyrese Haliburton
In the fifth game, Haliburton recorded six assists and seven rebounds in 34 minutes, despite his physical limitations. Pacers forward Pascal Siakam, who led the team with 28 points, praised Haliburton’s resilience and his impact on the team.He’s not one hundred percent. There are many players in the series who aren’t.
Rick Carlisle
The loss on Monday was the first time all postseason that the Pacers lost consecutive games. Haliburton emphasized the need for the team to stay strong and ready for game six.He’s a fighter. He’s been our rock all year. He’s a big reason why we’re here. I don’t know exactly what’s going on, but I know he’s fighting and he’ll give us everything he’s got.
Pascal Siakam
We’ve had our backs against the wall many different times in the last two years and we’ve had to find different ways to win. The way this year has gone, nobody said this was going to be sweet.
Tyrese Haliburton
