The Indiana Pacers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5, but it wasn't due to a lack of effort from their backup point guard.

Indiana Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton's Game 5 Performance Was Historically Bad originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Indiana Pacers dropped Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals 120-109 to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Coming into the game, the series was tied 2-2, with the winner laying claim to the series advantage.

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle offered an impassioned and somewhat unprompted defense of referee Scott Foster, evidently aware of mountains of online criticism.

Heading back to Paycom Center for Game 5, the Oklahoma City Thunder must outperform an Indiana Pacers team who thrives in road environments.