By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 02:39 BST, 17 June 2025 | Updated: 02:39 BST, 17 June 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton briefly left Game 5 of the NBA Finals for treatment after apparently aggravating an injury to his lower right leg, grabbing at it in obvious discomfort more than once.
He played 10:04 of the first quarter Monday, then left for the locker room area and [emerged with a wrap on his lower leg.](https://x.com/ESPNNBA/status/1934783187000955018) Haliburton checked back into the game with 8:27 left in the first half.
The injury - whatever it is - has been an issue for much of the series. Haliburton was clearly limping after Game 2, then said before Game 3 that there wasn't much to discuss.
"I´m fine. Really just a lower leg thing. I´ll leave it at that," Haliburton said. "I don´t think there´s anything more to elaborate."
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle revealed earlier in the series that Haliburton has been experiencing some discomfort, though did not sound overly concerned. Haliburton has started all five games in the series.
Haliburton came into Monday averaging 17.8 points, 7.5 assists and six rebounds in the finals. He missed his first four shots of Game 5, appearing to be laboring at times while running or even walking.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) looks on during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dishes off as Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) defends during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) looks to pass under pressure from Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Monday, June 16, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)