Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton told members of the media today that he still plans to play in Game Three of the NBA Finals, which is scheduled for tomorrow night, even though he is dealing with a “lower leg thing.”
“At this time of year, I don’t know if anybody’s feeling perfect,” said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle when speaking to the media earlier today. “So he practiced, and he went through everything. I know he has some discomfort. He feels it, but each day is getting better. I don’t think you’re going to hear him making a big deal out of it.”
Tyrese Haliburton had a noticeable limp following the conclusion of Game Two, a 123-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was also seen limping out of the press conference he had earlier today.
“I’m fine,” Haliburton told reporters. “[It’s] really just a lower leg thing. I’ll leave it at that. I don’t think there’s anything more to elaborate. I feel fine, and I’ll be ready to go for Game Three.”
Haliburton moving well and smiling. pic.twitter.com/Ue8dnfBkoj
— Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith_ISL) June 10, 2025
Even if Haliburton weren’t feeling 100%, he likely would’ve pushed through and forced his way into the lineup. This is the NBA Finals, which means you should be leaving everything on the basketball court.
“This is the time of year where it just doesn’t get any better than this,” said Rick Carlisle. “The atmosphere, the interest, the opportunity, coming back and being at home, I mean, there’s just so much to be excited about. We’ve got a couple guys that are slightly under the weather, but I don’t think anything is going to keep these guys from playing in the game.”
It’s possible that Haliburton’s “lower leg thing” impacted his performance in Game Two. He finished with 17 points, six assists, and three rebounds, which are all below his averages for the 2025 playoffs. At the same time, though, Oklahoma City was the third-best defensive team in the NBA this season.
Tyrese Haliburton with a noticeable, slight limp arriving and leaving his press conference. pic.twitter.com/nJkqxwPBoj
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) June 9, 2025
“I think playing two games against these guys is really good. It gives me more film to watch, see where I can be better,” Haliburton said. “I feel like I haven’t been great by any means through the first two games. So I’m just trying to take what I can to prepare me for Game 3. And I’m trying to be the best version of myself.”
Tyrese Haliburton is only averaging 13.25 points in four head-to-head games this year against Oklahoma City. Even against a good defensive team like the Thunder, that performance isn’t good enough.
“The difference is Oklahoma has more people to throw at a great player,” Carlisle said. “We’ve gone through these situations many times, not only during the playoffs but during the regular season, not just this season but prior seasons. We’re going to have to adjust and create better situations. We’re going to have to be better.”
Game Three of the 2025 NBA Finals will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana. The tip-off for that one is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EDT.
