The Indiana Pacers star will undergo MRI testing after suffering what is suspected to be a right calf strain during Game 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Tuesday.
Haliburton aggravated an existing right leg injury late in the first quarter after he lost his balance on a drive and hit the floor, grimacing in pain immediately afterward. The two-time all-star then left for the locker room area briefly before returning four minutes into the second.
Although Haliburton ultimately played 34 minutes in the 120-109 loss, he was clearly hobbled. He tied his playoff career low with just four points while going without a made field goal for the first time in 36 post-season appearances.
The Pacers now trail the championship series 3-2.
Haliburton also added seven rebounds and six assists to go with three turnovers as he finished minus-13.
The Pacers thought about shutting down Haliburton at halftime, but he insisted otherwise, head coach Rick Carlisle said.
“It’s the NBA Finals. I’ve worked my whole life to be here, and I want to be out there to compete, help my teammates any way I can,” Haliburton said after the game.
While it’s unclear what exactly is bothering his leg, it’s a recurring issue Haliburton’s been dealing with for some time. After Indiana’s Game 2 loss in OKC, the 25-year-old was seen limping post-game. He downplayed concerns before Game 3, however.
“I’m fine. Really just a lower leg thing. I’ll leave it at that,” Haliburton explained at the time. “I don’t think there’s anything more to elaborate.”
Haliburton came into Monday averaging 17.8 points, 7.5 assists and six rebounds in the Finals.
Indiana returns home for a do-or-die Game 6 against the Thunder on Thursday. Game 7, if necessary, would be Sunday.
