After the Pacers dropped Game 2 of the NBA Finals to the Oklahoma City Thunder, everyone was talking less about the scoreboard and more about Tyrese Haliburton’s postgame walk.
The Pacers guard was seen limping off the stage during Sunday night’s press conference, raising some concern amongst fans and the media.
The clip went viral fast and the questions and concerns raised even quicker.
But on Tuesday, Haliburton silenced the noise with a smile and a very deliberate strut through the Gainbridge Fieldhouse tunnel in Indiana, showing no signs of discomfort.
When asked about the noticeable limp from Sunday, Tyrese said, “I’m fine. [It] was really just a lower leg thing. I’ll leave it at that. I don’t think there’s anything more to elaborate. I feel fine,” he repeated. “And I’ll be ready to go for Game 3.”
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle didn’t seem too worried either.
“He practiced. He went through everything,” Carlisle told reporters. “I know he has some discomfort. He feels it. But each day it’s getting better. I don’t think you’re going to hear him making a big deal out of it.”
The timing couldn’t be more crucial. Indiana returns home with the series tied 1-1 and Game 3 could go either way with how strong both teams have been.
Haliburton, who had 17 points and six assists in Game 2 and delivered the game-winner in Game 1, remains a key piece in Indiana’s run for its first-ever NBA title.
This is only the Pacers’ second Finals appearance, the last one came back in 2000. And with Haliburton leading the charge alongside Pascal Siakam, who’s still looking to rediscover his East Finals MVP form, Indiana knows they’ve got a shot.
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