Tyrese Halliburton discusses the Pacers’ Game 5 defeat on the thunderous defeat
Tyrese Haliburton dealt with a low-legged injury and only had four points with zero field goals in a 120-109 loss to Thunder for the Pacers.
This was the first time in his postseason career that he was held in the first half without a single point.
Also, Indiana Pacers star point guard Ty Halliburton was unable to create a single basket throughout the playoff game, a problem remaining since the Eastern Conference Finals that was slowed down by an injury to the lower right leg.
His four points matched the career playoffs low.
If one revelation occurs from Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday, June 16th, the 120-109 Oklahoma City win with a Thunder win from the title – this means they can’t win these NBA Finals.
Injuries complicate the problem even more. Halliburton stumbled midway through the first quarter and quickly supported his right calf. Halliburton said he is not sure if the injury was related to the previous round, but he admitted it was in the same area. Anyway, he insisted he wouldn’t miss the time.
“It’s the final, man,” Halliburton said after the match. “I’ve worked all my life to be here, but I want to be there to compete, so please help any teammate I can.
“Tonight was never great, but not playing here is really not my opinion, if I can walk, I want to play.
More Halliburton than any other player this postseason is shining in the clutch, baffling his opponents with his shot-making and promotion. However, Monday night showed how deep and talented the thunder is to be relegated to a secondary player.
Thunder Forward Jalen Williams scored a playoff career-high 40 points with 14/25 shooting and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (the most valuable player in the NBA), and ran for 31 points and 10 assists. The backups of Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso continue to contribute.
A typical thread with Haliburton issues is a slow start.
Injuries aside, Halliburton is far too late in his game in the NBA Finals – at least with his score. Throughout five games, he averaged 5.8 points in the first half with 11/28 (39.3%) shooting.
Halliburton is a player who often defends his teammates, passing on open looks to move others. The injury may have affected Halliburton’s offense in Game 5, but his six games are low in career postseason after averaging 14.5 attempts per 14.5 games in the previous four games in the final.
Certainly, Halliburton is better in the second half, but it’s sometimes difficult to find a rhythm later in the game, especially against a historically superior defensive team.
Monday night was the perfect example of the problem that arises when players like Halliburton are forced to grab a fire later in a quiet game.
The Pacers closed the deficit to two points with eight and a half minutes remaining, thanks mainly to plays from backup point guard TJ McConnell and forward Pascalciacam. Usually that’s when Halliburton takes over.
However, at the fourth 9:00, Halliburton converted a pair of free throws, but did not attempt a single shot.
Turnover is another issue. Halliburton led the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio (5.61) during the regular season, but averaged four turnovers per game in the final. He committed three of Indiana’s 23 on Monday night.
Thunder is the dominant defensive team to clarify. Halliburton often takes the toughest mission, and Thunderstopper Dot is usually tasked with protecting Halliburton.
McConnell, who scored 13 of 18 points on Monday night in the third quarter, was excellent at lifting Indiana when Halliburton struggled to score. Backup Forward OBI Toppin (12 points) also provided sparks. Siakam is Indiana’s best offensive player.
The problem with the Pacers is that Halliburton can be the third or fourth best on the team.
Concerns for the time being will turn into the potential availability of Halliburton in Game 6 on Thursday, June 19th.
“He’s not 100 percent,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said after Game 5. “That’s pretty clear, but I don’t think he’ll miss the next game. We were worried at halftime and he insisted on playing.
“He thought there would be a lot of really good things going to happen in the second half, but he’s not 100%. There aren’t many people in the series.”
Carlyle added that the Pacers will continue to “appreciate everything and Tylese” and will continue to monitor him. However, it’s hard to see Halliburton sitting as Indiana’s season is balanced.
But even if he plays, Indiana isn’t just about him on the floor. He needs to shine for the Pacers to have the shots to tie the series and set up Game 7.
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