As the Indiana Pacers prepare for their first home NBA Finals game in 25 years, All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton addressed media questions about Oklahoma City’s defense, his evolving partnership with Myles Turner, and how he mentally approaches the biggest stage.
Speaking on the eve of Game 3, Haliburton emphasized that his chemistry with Turner has become one of the team’s foundational strengths.
“Our synergy and our connection has just grown over time,” Haliburton said. “We constantly are sending each other clips of how we can be better in pick-and-roll—how I can help him, how he can help me.”
He added that Turner, while not a traditional lob threat, has expanded his offensive game to complement Haliburton’s skills as a playmaker.
“It’s been a really fun experience to play with him,” Haliburton noted. “When he does roll, he really opens things up for me.”
Indiana struggled in Game 2, falling 123-107 in Oklahoma City. Haliburton was limited to 17 points and six assists, and acknowledged he needs to make better reads.
“I feel like I haven’t been great by any means through the first two games,” he said. “Just keep watching film, see where I can get better. The answers always lie in the film.”
Haliburton pointed to the Thunder’s defensive versatility as a key challenge.
“They mix up coverages. Coach Daigneault isn’t afraid to do things on the fly,” he said. “Their personnel is different than everywhere else.”
Asked about adjustments, Haliburton stressed the need for variety in Indiana’s offensive approach.
“If you just try to run high pick-and-roll all game, they just crawl into you,” he said. “We got to do a much better job of that… play out of different spots.”
Despite dealing with a lower leg issue, Haliburton confirmed he will be ready for Game 3.
“I’m fine. Really just a lower leg thing. I’ll leave it at that,” he told reporters.
He also reflected on how head coach Rick Carlisle empowered him early in his tenure.
“When he gave me that nod, that was like the ultimate respect,” Haliburton said. “That was the ultimate trust that I could get from anybody.”
Haliburton credited Carlisle with teaching him how to analyze film beyond highlights, a change he said elevated his decision-making.
“You can just watch film, but if you’re just watching and trying to find your highlights, then that’s much different than really trying to dissect things,” he said.
Defensively, the Pacers limited the Thunder to just four fast-break points in Game 2. Haliburton attributed that to the team’s mindset.
“It’s just that next play mentality that’s important,” he said. “If you make a mistake… the first response should be how to fix it.”
Game 3 tips off Wednesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with the series tied 1-1.
