As the Indiana Pacers prepare to host Game 6 of the NBA Finals, head coach Rick Carlisle spoke candidly about injuries, pace of play, and the keys to extending the series.
Tyrese Haliburton remains the central concern. The All-Star guard is still recovering from a leg injury and participated in Indiana’s walkthrough on Wednesday, but not in any live action.
“He participated in all our walkthrough stuff,” Carlisle said. “But it’s a walkthrough, so there was no real running or moving or anything. We will not really know for sure until late tomorrow afternoon or early evening.”
Haliburton played 34 minutes in Game 5 but went scoreless from the field, finishing 0-for-6. Carlisle acknowledged Haliburton’s role in helping Indiana cut the deficit to two in the fourth quarter, but emphasized that second-chance points and turnovers ultimately swung the game in Oklahoma City’s favor.
“The two things right now that are really bothersome and challenging for us are the rebounding—the second shot rebounds—and the turnovers,” Carlisle said. “We’re going to do our best to address those things.”
Asked whether Haliburton was a net positive in Game 5, Carlisle pointed to the Pacers’ brief run but reiterated that multiple mistakes in key moments proved costly.
Oklahoma City leads the series 3-2 following a 120-109 win, powered by Jalen Williams’ playoff career-high 40 points. Carlisle praised the Thunder forward’s development.
“He’s the quintessential modern-day wing,” the Pacers coach said. “He creates a constant vertical threat on the rim. He’s a guy that we’ve got to slow down somehow. And it’s not easy.”
Indiana’s pace has been a defining trait of the series. According to Second Spectrum, the Pacers have logged the most miles at the highest speed in Finals history. Carlisle credited both the system and the players for the tempo.
“That’s how we play,” he said. “That’s what we’re supposed to do.”
Game 6 will be played Thursday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. With the Pacers facing elimination, Carlisle emphasized the importance of holding serve at home.
“We were in this position last year in the New York series,” he said. “The ultimate is to get to a Game 7—that’s the ultimate privilege. But we’ve got to take care of home court tomorrow to do that.”
