Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton looked far from his best during Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. According to reports from ESPN and the Associated Press, the guard was dealing with right calf tightness which has been bothering him throughout the series.
He played just over 10 minutes in the first quarter but then walked back to the locker room. Haliburton later returned with a wrap on his lower right leg and checked back in during the second quarter. His movement was clearly limited, and it showed in his performance.
?Haliburton went scoreless in the first half, missing all five of his shots. It was the first time in his playoff career he ended a half without a single point. He also had only two assists, and the Pacers offence looked slow and predictable.
Coach Rick Carlisle had already said that Haliburton was feeling some discomfort. The player himself had kept things simple, saying earlier in the series, ¡°Really just a lower leg thing. I¡¯ll leave it at that.¡±
Indiana now trails in the NBA Finals and must win Game 6 at home to stay alive. But their hopes will depend heavily on Haliburton being healthy and able to lead the way.