Tyrese Haliburton can’t wait to hit the court in Game 6 of the NBA Finals! He’ll play through a very strained right calf that he hurt in Game 5. Though Haliburton was a game-time decision, he rose to the occasion in the team walk-through. He cleared the strength test, an indication that he’s good to go.
The young star had been playing through a lower right leg injury over the course of the series. Unfortunately, it flared up prior to Game 5 and was really bothering him. In that match, Haliburton got 34 minutes on the court. He did not make a field goal, going 0-for-8 and finishing the game with only four points, equaling his playoff career low. Ongoing treatments have since pushed his performance into the stratosphere. Those treatments range from hyperbaric chambers to needles, to massage therapy and electronic stimulation — even special tape that’s meant to relieve his pain.
Haliburton had an MRI on Tuesday that confirmed he has a grade 2 calf strain. He wore a grey compression sleeve on his right leg during his pregame warmup. This decision was a testament to his willingness to make an impact, even at less than full strength.
Haliburton’s been the focal point for his team in the playoffs so far. Across the first five games of the series, he’s putting up 15.0 points, 7.2 assists and 6.2 rebounds. His impact on and off the court cannot be overstated with his squad gearing up for a powerful top-seed opponent in a win-or-go-home contest.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Haliburton’s artistry and spirit could be more potent. Fans around the country are excited to see what he can do in this important game. To think that Game 6 would end this incredible back-and-forth series. As Haliburton continues to work his way back from injury, all eyes will be on what he brings.
“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.” – Carlisle
With the stakes high and Haliburton’s resilience on full display, fans eagerly await how he will perform in this critical matchup. The outcome of Game 6 could determine the fate of the series and Haliburton’s contributions will be closely watched as he continues to navigate through his injury.
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