Pacers Halliburton breaks silence after training in NBA Finals and opens up injury

The Pacers faced the fate of being eliminated by the Thunder, and Tyres Halliburton spoke publicly about the injury before Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

The Indiana Pacers faced the fate of being eliminated in the 2024-25 NBA Finals, and star guard Tyres Halliburton appeared on the court on Wednesday with his teammates during an easy practice at the Gainbridge Arena.

Halliburton made a mid-range jump shot near the elbow zone in a video posted by Scott Agnes of Fieldhouse Files. The Pacers lost 109-120 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5, with Halliburton's return less than 48 hours from the end of the game, and Halliburton's performance was significantly limited in that game.

On Wednesday morning, ClutchPoints' Bretts's Bretts reported that it was unclear whether Halliburton could participate in training, so his participation in training was good news for the Pacers. The 25-year-old defender has been struggling with a right calf strain, which seems to have affected his flexibility and efficiency in the game Monday.

In Game 5, Halliburton played for 34 minutes, made 0 of 6 shots and 0 of 4 three-pointers, scoring only 4 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. After the game, the Pacers announced that he will undergo further evaluation before Game 6. The Pacers strive to continue their strength in the NBA Finals against the Thunder, and Tyres Halliburton's comeback may make a decision during the game.

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle talked about Halliburton's injury in an interview with 107.5 The Fan TV station in Indianapolis.

"We will give him a careful assessment over the next 38 hours," Carlisle said. "(He) will most likely be listed as 'strife' in the injury report and will likely make a comeback decision in Game 6."

Carlisle reiterated late Wednesday that the team is preparing for all possible situations.

"If he doesn't play, we have a plan without him," Carlisle told local media after the team was rehearsing.

Halliburton played a crucial role in the Pacers' playoffs Long March, averaging 17.9 points, 9.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game this season. His leadership and organizational offensive ability is crucial to the Pacers' first advance to the NBA Finals since 2000. The Pacers are currently trailing the Thunder 3-2 in the series and are in danger of being eliminated for the first time this season's playoffs. The Oklahoma City Thunder have won two straight games, including their fifth game at the Pecom Center on Monday, and they can secure the championship as long as they win in Indianapolis.

Halliburton stressed his determination to return to the field after Wednesday's training.

"I want to play. I will play as much as I can," Halliburton said. The sixth game will be broadcast on ABC TV at the Gainbridge Arena on Thursday at 8:30 pm ET. If the Pacers win, the decisive seventh game will be played on Sunday with the Oklahoma City Thunder.