Pacers say Tyrese Haliburton not limited by lower leg issue - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton dismissed any concerns over his injury status heading into Game 3 of the NBA Finals, acknowledging after practice on Tuesday that he was dealing with «a lower leg thing» but that he felt fine and would not be hampered in any way for Game 3.

«I don't think there's anything more to elaborate,» Haliburton said. «I feel fine and I'll be ready to go for Game 3.»

Haliburton walked with a limp as he exited his postgame news conference after scoring 17 points in Game 2, a 123-107 loss in Oklahoma City on Sunday night. At practice on Tuesday, Haliburton had his right ankle taped, but according to coach Rick Carlisle, the Pacers star guard was not limited on the court.

«I know he has some discomfort,» Carlisle said Tuesday. «He feels it. But each day it's getting better. I don't think you're going to hear him making a big deal out of it.

»This is the time of year where it just doesn't get any better than this. The atmosphere, the interest, the opportunity, coming back and being at home, I mean, there's just so much to be excited about. We've got a couple guys that are slightly under the weather; I don't think anything is going to keep these guys from playing in the game."

Instead of dwelling on any potential injury, Haliburton was much more focused on his need for improvements entering Game 3. He is averaging 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists on 50% shooting so far in this series, thanks to back-to-back strong fourth quarters. He acknowledged after Sunday's game that he needed to be better in the first half of games to prevent the Pacers from falling behind double digits — a task easier said than done against the Thunder defense.

«They're really connected on the