Tyrese Haliburton’s injury woes have cast a long shadow over the Indiana Pacers’ hopes in the 2025 NBA Finals, as the star guard’s calf tightness and leg discomfort have visibly hampered his performance in crucial moments of the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Game 5, played on June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City, was a night to forget for Haliburton and the Pacers. Despite logging 34 minutes on the court, Haliburton failed to make a single field goal, going 0-for-6 from the field and finishing with just four points, all from free throws. His shooting struggles were stark, registering 0% from the field and beyond the arc in a game that saw Indiana lose 120-109 to the Thunder. While he contributed seven rebounds and six assists, the lack of scoring from the Pacers’ star was a glaring issue as Oklahoma City took control of the series with a 3-2 lead.
Haliburton’s injury concerns had been bubbling beneath the surface for some time. Reports surfaced on June 10 that he was wearing kinesiology tape on his right calf area, signaling some physical discomfort. This was further underscored during halftime of Game 5 when ESPN insider Shams Charania revealed that Haliburton was dealing with right calf tightness on the same leg that had ankle soreness just the week prior. The injury was exacerbated during the game when Haliburton slipped awkwardly on a drive in the first quarter, seemingly aggravating the calf issue. He left the court after just over 10 minutes of play, ice packs visible on his foot, raising alarm bells among Pacers fans and NBA observers alike.
Despite the injury scare, Haliburton showed resilience by returning to the court before halftime and continuing to contribute through the remainder of the game. However, his movements appeared visibly limited and less aggressive than usual, a fact not lost on analysts and commentators. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith was particularly blunt in his assessment, stating, "[Tyrese] Haliburton has looked awful and I’m glad he’s injured. I’m not saying I’m glad he’s injured, but I’m glad we got that as a rational." Smith added, "He looks bad, he was not active, he was not aggressive. He’s not helping them." These harsh words reflected the frustration of many who expected more from the Pacers’ star in such a pivotal contest.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle addressed the situation candidly in his postgame press conference, acknowledging the impact of Haliburton’s injury on his performance. "He’s not 100%. It’s pretty clear. But I don’t think he’s gonna miss the next game," Carlisle said. He also noted his concern at halftime but praised Haliburton’s determination to continue playing, remarking, "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 this series that aren’t." This measured perspective highlights the physical toll the Finals have taken on players from both teams.
Haliburton’s struggles were not confined to Game 5. In Game 4, he scored 18 points but showed a noticeable dip in other areas, grabbing only two rebounds and shooting a poor 14.3% from three-point range. This decline in performance may have been an early sign of the underlying injury issues that later became more apparent. His usual poise and scoring ability, which had been instrumental in the Pacers’ postseason run—including game-winning shots in earlier rounds—were missing at a critical juncture.
The Pacers have been fighting to keep their championship dreams alive, but the Thunder have maintained control of the series. Jalen Williams led Oklahoma City with a spectacular 40-point performance in Game 5, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 points and 10 assists, overpowering Indiana’s defense. Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam emerged as the offensive leader for the Pacers with 28 points, six rebounds, and five assists, but even his efforts could not compensate for the team’s overall struggles and Haliburton’s diminished output.
Siakam commented on Haliburton’s condition, saying, "I don’t know exactly what’s wrong, but I know he’s fighting." This sentiment captures the determination of the Pacers’ star despite the physical setbacks. Indiana now faces a daunting task, trailing 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, with Game 6 set for June 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The home crowd will be hoping for a healthier and more effective Haliburton to help push the series to a decisive Game 7.
The injury scare underscores the fragility of championship aspirations when key players are not at full strength. Haliburton’s calf tightness and leg issues have been a significant factor in the Pacers’ recent struggles, and the team’s ability to adapt and overcome these challenges will be tested in the coming games. As Carlisle noted, many players in the series are battling through injuries, but the spotlight remains firmly on Haliburton to elevate his game if Indiana is to force a seventh and final showdown.
Looking ahead, the Pacers will need a much better showing from their star guard, whose leadership and scoring have been vital throughout the playoffs. The pressure is on for Haliburton to recover swiftly and regain his rhythm on the court, as the franchise chases its first-ever NBA championship. The stakes could not be higher, and the series is far from over, but the physical hurdles facing Haliburton and the Pacers are undeniable.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, and the NBA Finals have proven to be a grueling test of endurance and resilience. For Indiana, the path forward hinges on the health and performance of Tyrese Haliburton, whose battle with calf tightness has become a defining subplot of this intense series. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Game 6 approaches, eager to see if Haliburton can reclaim his form and lead the Pacers back into contention.
