The Indiana Pacers are down 1-0 in their second-round playoff matchup with the New York Knicks after a 121-117 loss in game 1. In the game, Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton scored six points on 2-for-6 shooting. Additionally, he recorded eight assists, four steals, and two rebounds in 36 minutes of play. Though he had a subpar performance by his standards, the 24-year-old is reportedly dealing with back spasms. Ahead of Game 2, head coach Rick Carlisle spoke about Haliburton’s injury, saying “it’s a concern.”
“At this time of year everybody’s got something going and he’s working at it, doing everything he can to keep himself feeling as good as possible,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “I’m confident he’ll play, but it’s a concern.”
Although Haliburton’s poor scoring output is uncommon, his shooting inefficiency is becoming a pattern in the postseason. In the seven games played against the Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks this postseason, Haliburton is shooting 18-for-59 (30.5%) from deep. This includes a horrific 1-for-12 three-point performance in Game 3 against Milwaukee.
The Pacers and Knicks will meet up again Wednesday night at 8 PM EST for Game 2. In the meantime, Haliburton’s injury status will be worth monitoring.
Rick Carlisle Has “Concerns” About Star Player’s Injury
Tyrese Haliburton Knows He Must Be Better
The Pacers ended the regular season with a 47-35 record and clinched the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. This was the most successful season they have had since winning 48 games in 2018-19 when Victor Oladipo was their leading scorer. Although their in-season trade for Pascal Siakam helped them become more serious contenders, a majority of their success is thanks to Haliburton’s contributions all season. During the regular season, Haliburton averaged 20.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and a league-leading 10.9 assists per game. However, the Iowa State alum is not having an outstanding postseason debut. After his disappointing performance in Game 1, Haliburton talked about needing “to be better” in the future.
“Obviously, frustrating playing ahead in Game 1 and feeling like we should’ve won that game. At the end of the day it starts with me, and I’ll be better in Game 2,” said Haliburton, who said the Knicks didn’t do anything out of the ordinary to slow him down. “Nah. They’re a good defensive team, [but] I’ve just got to be better.”
For Indiana to upset the Knicks and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, Haliburton must return to form.
Tyrese Haliburton is ready to embrace the challenge in Game 2. pic.twitter.com/isejzHi5XA
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 7, 2024
The Last Word on Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have a good roster, but it is going to be tough for them to beat the Knicks in a seven-game series. This is especially true following Carlisle’s comments on Haliburton’s injury. However, anything can happen in the NBA playoffs. Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner are still playing good basketball for the Pacers in the playoffs. Additionally, NBA veteran T.J. McConnell is averaging 10.7 points in the postseason off the bench. This is by far a playoff career-high for the former Philadelphia 76ers guard. The Knicks look like the better team, but it is too early to rule Indiana out entirely.
