The NBA Finals are more often than not defined by adversity. The team that is able to overcome setbacks one after the other takes home the Larry O’Brien Trophy. For most of the postseason, the Indiana Pacers have been that team. Tyrese Haliburton and Co. have defied all odds to be where they are now. That resilience was on display once again when the All-Star point guard insisted upon playing through pain during the second half of Game 5. However, was this risk worth taking, especially when you’re losing?

The Pacers were outdone 120-109 by the Thunder, led by Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Tyrese Haliburton played most of the second half with discomfort in his right calf. This has been a lingering issue for the 25-year-old point guard. Despite knowing that, he decided to risk aggravating the injury with the hopes of making a comeback that never came. “It’s the Finals,” Haliburton said. “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.”

He knew he did not play to his true potential, but wanted to help his team. But now the decision has backfired, as the Pacers’ hopes of making a comeback might just have taken a massive toll. Why? Well, after Indiana’s brutal loss, they’ve suffered a massive setback. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Tyrese Haliburton has sustained what seems to be a right calf injury.

This is devastating news for the Pacers, who already trail 3-2 in the NBA Finals against the top-seeded Thunder. Now, they face the problem of having to enter Game 6 without their franchise player. We all know how important Haliburton has been to the Pacers. The 25-year-old point is having the time of his life, averaging 17.9 points along with 9.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds. So, all eyes will be on Indiana as everyone awaits Haliburton’s MRI report, which will reveal if he can suit up for Game 6.

Will the Pacers be able to handle the pressure if Haliburton is ruled out? Or will they succumb to the pressure?

How have the Indiana Pacers fared without Tyrese Haliburton?

Last season, one of the biggest improvements the Indiana Pacers made was their ability to handle pressure without Tyrese Haliburton. We all know that the Indiana point guard is the spearhead of this team. However, after going 7-19 in the 2022-23 season without Haliburton, the Pacers showed growth last year, as they went 7-6. Many different players stepped in for the 25-year-old All-NBA guard’s absence to lead their team to a win. However, that development has come to a halt this season.

Although a small sample size, Indy is 4-5 without their superstar on the floor. That’s quite concerning, especially given that they need to hold their ground in Game 6. Overall, things don’t look well for the Pacers without their star guard. Although they’ll have the likes of Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Myles Turner available, defeating OKC on the road might be too much of an ask. However, let’s not forget Haliburton’s words after their Game 5 loss.

“If I can walk, then I want to play,” he had said.