It had beforehand been reported that the 25-year-old Olympian meant to present it a go, however his availability had not been confirmed. Haliburton had formally been a game-time decision to play by way of a proper calf pressure incurred within the first half of Sport 5, a 120-109 loss on Monday.
The defeat marked the primary time Indiana had misplaced two consecutive video games in its whole run to the Finals this spring.
Throughout 21 contests in his second-ever playoffs, the 25-year-old has been averaging 17.9 PPG, 9.1 APG, 5.8 RPG, 1.3 SPG and 0.7 BPG. These numbers have been little doubt adversely affected by a clearly ailing Haliburton’s struggles in Sport 5.
The Iowa State product failed to attach on a single discipline purpose try, ending with 4 factors on 0-of-6 capturing. He did chip in seven rebounds and 6 assists.
Indiana, enjoying in its first Finals since 2000, now returns to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on the point of elimination. The Pacers path the Thunder 3-2 within the collection.
Oklahoma Metropolis head coach Mark Daigneault, in his personal pregame presser, anticipated that Haliburton would give it his all, per Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star.
“We’re anticipating his greatest punch,” Daigneault stated. “Indiana’s an awesome staff, we’re anticipating their greatest punch.”
