The NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder is heating up as Game 6 takes place on Friday, June 20, in Indianapolis. The Thunder are currently leading the series 3–2 and need just one more win to claim the championship.
Oklahoma City looked dominant in Game 5, winning 120–109 thanks to a brilliant 40-point performance from Jalen Williams and another strong outing by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 31 points and dished out 10 assists. Their defense has also been one of the best in the league during the playoffs, regularly forcing turnovers and shutting down opponents.
The big concern for Indiana is the health of their star point guard Tyrese Haliburton. He is dealing with a calf injury that clearly affected his performance in Game 5, where he scored only 4 points. Despite his struggles, he is expected to play in Game 6, but his condition might limit his effectiveness. The Pacers will also need big games from players like Pascal Siakam and TJ McConnell to stay alive in the series.
For now, all eyes are on Indianapolis as the Thunder look to win their first NBA title, and the Pacers fight to keep their season alive.
NBA Finals: Tyrese Haliburton Suffers Lower Leg Injury, Ends Game 5 With 4 Points; Video
Despite a clear lower right leg injury sustained early in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Tyrese Haliburton was held scoreless in the first half for the first time in his 36-game playoff career. After playing 10:04 of Monday's first quarter, Haliburton went to the locker room and came out wearing a wrap around his lower leg. With 8:27 remaining in the first half, Haliburton checked back into the match.
He eventually finished game with just four points all from the free-throw line in a 120-109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The defeat puts Indiana down 3-2 in the series and marks the first time they've trailed in a playoff round this postseason.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle revealed earlier in the series that Haliburton has been experiencing some discomfort, though did not sound overly concerned. Haliburton has started all five games in the series.
