The Pacers got off to a scorching start on both ends in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday, racing out to a 64-42 halftime lead that had many making early plans for a Game 7 back in Oklahoma City. However, as we've seen, from both teams, no lead is too big.
Concerns about the calf injury suffered by Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers' star guard who has put forth a postseason run sometimes seemingly imbued with a bit of magic, were quickly shoved aside by Pacers coach Rick Carlisle before the game. And, indeed, Haliburton got off to a 12-points, four-assist start in 12 first-half minutes.
Haliburton did not have a turnover and, indeed, the Pacers had just two TOs in the half, while the Thunder had 12. That was a big driver of Indiana's early lead.
Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of game six of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0)
Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
But simply having Haliburton on the floor, after he was limping badly in Game 5, gave Indiana a boost, too. Carlisle was surprisingly candid about the process leading the Haliburton decision before the game.
"Tyrese will play," Carlisle told reporters. "He was tested at 5 p.m. He was strength tested at 5 p.m. and did very well. Went through walkthrough. There's no set minutes limit. We will watch and monitor things very closely from the beginning of the game through the entirety of the game. We'll go from there."
Coaches don't usually delve into minutes restrictions and the process of evaluating an injury just before a game. Carlisle was asked why he was so forthright about the situation.
"What's the point?" Carlisle said. "I mean, this time of year playing games isn't going to get you anywhere. We got a job to do tonight. We've got to get ready to battle a team that has been the best team in the league all year long. It's a tough game. It's an elimination game.
"There's a lot going on. In my mind, it's best to be decisive and truthful and get down to it."