Jun 8, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) shoots the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the first quarter during game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
With the NBA Finals tied at 1-1, the Indiana Pacers head into a pivotal Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder — and all eyes are on Tyrese Haliburton.
After a deflating 123-107 loss in Game 2, the Pacers return home looking to regain momentum and take control of the series. But looming over tonight’s matchup is the status of their star guard, who’s been managing a lower leg injury that sparked concern earlier this week.
Head coach Rick Carlisle didn’t sound overly worried when asked about Haliburton’s condition.
“At this time of year, I don’t know if anybody’s feeling perfect,” Carlisle said. “He practiced. Each day, it’s getting better. I don’t think you’re going to hear him making a big deal out of it.”
Haliburton himself echoed that sentiment.
“I’m fine — really just a lower leg thing. I’ll be ready to go for Game 3,” he said, moving with a normal gait and brushing off doubts about his availability.
NBA Finals Game 3 Update 🚨‼️
Based on the tape “position” Tyrese Haliburton could be dealing with a possible lower calf (soleus/achilles) issue
The Indiana Pacers have labeled it a “lower leg injury”
— Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) June 10, 2025
But being cleared to play is one thing — being at full speed is another. And that’s where tonight’s Game 3 could hinge.
The Thunder have turned up the defensive pressure in this series, and Haliburton’s production has taken a noticeable hit. In the first two games of the Finals, the All-Star point guard has tallied just six assists per game — well below his postseason average of 9.3. Even his potential assists are slightly down, from 15.4 in the playoffs to 14.0 in the Finals.
The result? Fewer clean looks, fewer finishes, and fewer chances for Indiana’s offense to find its rhythm.
Jun 8, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) looks to passes the ball by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) during the third quarter of game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Part of that is OKC’s swarming defense. The Thunder are holding playoff opponents to just 42.9% shooting — and they’ve made it clear Haliburton is priority No. 1. They’re pressuring him early, cutting off passing lanes, and making every dribble a decision. In two games, the Pacers have converted just 12 of their 28 assist opportunities in this series — a drop-off that shows how disruptive the Thunder have been.
If Haliburton’s leg is limiting him, even slightly, that makes things tougher. His entire game hinges on timing, vision, and tempo — and against a high-energy defense like Oklahoma City’s, even half a step slow can mean the difference between a highlight assist and a broken possession.
Still, Haliburton isn’t one to back down. He’s cleared, confident, and ready. But how effective he’ll be is the real question — and it could be the deciding factor in whether Indiana takes back control of the Finals or faces another uphill battle in Game 4.
