In a stirring display of resolve and heartbreak, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton delivered a gutsy yet visibly hampered performance in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. He was restricted to just four points during Monday’s game due to an aggravated leg injury.
Haliburton, who had carried Indiana through much of the postseason with clutch shot-making and masterful playmaking, struggled mightily in Oklahoma City. He finished with four points on 0-of-6 shooting, but added seven rebounds and six assists in 34 hard-fought minutes.
Regardless of his on-court performance on June 16, it was the Indiana community that really showed up for their star. Haliburton’s girlfriend, Jade Jones, posted a collage of banners and placards put up by the Pacers fans across the city in solidarity with Haliburton.
Jade Jones Showcases Indiana Fans’ Love for Tyrese Haliburton on Her Social Media
On June 17, Jones grouped several snaps and shared them on her Instagram Story with the caption “we love our community so much”. She appeared moved by the flood of fan messages, artwork, and anecdotes of how deeply Haliburton’s perseverance has resonated. The banners and DIY tributes carried heartfelt messages like “HONK 4 HALIBURTON,” “Pacers in the Finals. Let’s Go,” and “What The Hali,” among others.
While these street banners remain anecdotes at present, they underscore the fervor with which Indianapolis and the broader NBA community have rallied around their star.
After Game 5, Haliburton had an MRI to assess a right calf strain incurred during the game. As USA Today reported, that injury was aggravated in the first quarter, after which he left for a short while before returning with his calf wrapped.
Though final clearance depends on MRI findings and further follow-up, the sentiment seems to be that Haliburton will fight for a chance to play if allowed medically, most likely in a limited or closely monitored capacity.
“I was not great tonight by any means, but… if I can walk then I wanna play.”
Tyrese Haliburton speaks on the status of his injury sustained in Game 5 of the #NBAFinals. pic.twitter.com/DOMCaEoIer
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 17, 2025
Steve Aschburner of NBA.com reported that Haliburton shared his determination to play despite his injury. The Pacers star said, “It’s the Finals, man. I’ve worked my whole life to be here and I want to be out there to compete.”
“Help my teammates any way I can. I was not great tonight by any means, but it’s not really a thought of mine to not play here. If I can walk, then I want to play,” Haliburton said.
Pacers Mercilessly Defeated by Thunder in Game 5
Monday’s Game 5 pitted the Pacers against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a critical juncture of the Finals. After splitting Games 3 and 4 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana sought to grab control on Thunder turf.
Early in the first quarter, Haliburton drove the lane and suffered an awkward stumble, grabbing at his lower right leg. However, he returned in the second quarter and tried to support his team.
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Still, the Thunder seized momentum. Jalen Williams scorched the Pacers for 40 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31, pacing OKC to a 120–109 victory that gave the Thunder a 3–2 edge in the series.
Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 28 points, five assists, and three steals, along with T.J. McConnell chipping in 18 points. But the absence of Haliburton’s typical offensive spark was palpable.
Game 6 shifts to Gainbridge on Thursday, and the Indiana Pacers aim to win it and push a deciding Game 7.
