The biggest question heading into tonight’s NBA Finals Game 6 was Tyrese Haliburton’s health. On Monday, when his team needed him the most, he played the worst playoff game of his career, finishing with just 4 points on zero made field goals. A key reason behind his struggles was that he reaggravated his lower leg injury after taking a nasty fall in the opening quarter. He was later diagnosed with a calf strain. But realizing that his season is on the line, Haliburton has decided to suit up tonight despite the injury and the Pacers have taken strict measures to ensure he is good to go.

Veteran insider Shams Charania revealed the details ahead of tip-off, “No set minutes restriction right now and they will closely monitor him. But the most important part of Tyrese Haliburton playing tonight was when he passed a strength test on that right calf at about 5PM East Coast time.” As much as the Pacers wanted Hali to play, they could not clear him without fully assessing his injury. Only when the star guard passed a strength test was he upgraded from questionable to available.

Per Shams, doctors have told Tyrese that the calf strain he suffered is a two-week injury. Had it been the regular season, there is no chance he would have suited up tonight. However, understanding the high stakes, Hali made it clear that he would do “everything in his power” to play the must-win game. So, Pacers have kept him in the lineup with some precautionary measures.

“He’s gonna be wearing a very tight sleeve on that right calf… It’s the NBA Finals and Tyrese Haliburton has said, if he can walk, he can play. He’s walking and he is playing tonight.” The analyst remarked. While many doubted this decision and expressed concern for Tyrese’s health, the point guard quickly proved that him playing was the right call.

Tyrese Haliburton leads the Pacers to a dominant first half in Game 6 vs OKC despite injury woes

In Game 5, many blamed Rick Carlisle for not subbing out Haliburton when he was clearly struggling with the calf injury. Meanwhile, TJ McConnell was having the game of his life, as he went off for 18 points in just 22 minutes to muscle a massive comeback. The decision seemingly cost them the game, putting them in a 3-2 deficit. There was fear that tonight’s call of playing Haliburton while hurt would lead to the same outcome.

However, Tyrese quickly silenced the critics, as he started the game strong and scored 12 points and four assists in just sixteen minutes. Even if he was hurt, it wasn’t affecting his game. Sure enough, his form trickled down to the entire team and the Pacers took a commanding 22-point lead to end the first half. Three players, Tyrese, Siakam, and Nembhard had a double-digit first half.

Meanwhile, TJ McConnell and Obi Toppin provided a massive boost off the bench, combining for sixteen first half points. If the Pacers are able to continue this form in the second half, they will surely force Game 7 and Tyrese risking reaggravating his injury would not go in vain. Do you think they can beat OKC tonight to extend this series and keep their season alive?