Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has brushed aside any doubts about his fitness ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Speaking after Tuesday’s practice, Haliburton confirmed he was dealing with “a lower leg thing” but insisted he was feeling good and fully fit to play.
“I don’t think there’s anything more to elaborate,” Haliburton said. “I feel fine and I’ll be ready to go for Game 3.”
After the Pacers’ Game 2 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Haliburton was seen limping slightly as he left his post-match press conference, having scored 17 points. At Tuesday’s training session, his right ankle was taped, but Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said the star guard was unrestricted during practice.
“I know he has some discomfort,” Carlisle said. “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.
This is the time of year where it just doesn’t get any better than this. The atmosphere, the interest, the opportunity, coming back and being at home, I mean, there’s just so much to be excited about. We’ve got a couple guys that are slightly under the weather; I don’t think anything is going to keep these guys from playing in the game.”
Rather than focus on the knock, Haliburton emphasised the need to improve his performance. He’s currently averaging 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game in the series, shooting at 50%. While he’s been strong in the closing stages, he’s acknowledged a need to step up earlier in matches.
Opponents have consistently tried to shut Haliburton down with heavy defensive pressure, but Carlisle pointed out that the Thunder pose a unique challenge.
“The difference is Oklahoma has more people to throw at a great player,” Carlisle said. “We’ve gone through these situations many times, not only during the playoffs, but during the regular season, not just this season but prior seasons. We’re going to have to adjust and create better situations. We’re going to have to be better.”
Haliburton, known for his attention to detail, is turning to video analysis to find those improvements. It’s a habit that’s helped both him and his team adjust as the series progresses.
“Playing two games against these guys is really good,” Haliburton said. “It gives me more film to watch, see where I can be better. I feel like I haven’t been great by any means the first two games. I’m just trying to take what I can to prepare me for Game 3, just trying to be the best version of myself.”
Photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
