Tyrese Haliburton Grinds Through Injury

Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton played through right calf tightness during Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Thunder, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Despite his efforts, the Pacers lost, 120-109, and now trail 3-2 in the series.

Haliburton struggled on offense, scoring zero points in the first half for the first time in his playoff career. He finished with just 4 points and shot 0-6 from the floor.

"It's the Finals, man," Haliburton said. "I've worked my whole life to be here and I want to be out there to compete. Help my teammates any way I can. I was not great tonight by any means, but it's not really a thought of mine to not play here. If I can walk, then I want to play. They understand that. And it is what it is. Got to be ready to go for Game 6."

Haliburton confirmed that the calf issue is the same one that bothered him earlier in the series, but he's unsure if they are related.

The Pacers' guard was seen with his lower leg wrapped up in the first half of Game 5. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the next game, saying:

"We've got to take this a day at a time," Haliburton said. "Our backs are against the wall. You have to look at Game 6 like it's a Game 7. If you lose, your season is over. We've got to go in and take care of business, just approach the game the right way. See where we can get better in film and be ready to compete."

Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday at 8:30 p.m. in Indianapolis.