OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — It’s official: Rick Carlisle isn’t just an Indiana Fever fan. He’s a fan of the WNBA game in general.

Tyrese Haliburton suffered an apparent calf injury early in the first quarter, but Rick Carlisle appears convinced that this won't impact his availability for the next game.

The Pacers now have their season on the brink. Tyrese Haliburton, meanwhile, faces his own scrutiny amid his calf injury.

Jun 16, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle walks back up the court during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game five of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Indiana trailed by 16 points in the third quarter before cutting the Thunder's lead to only two points, although they got sloppy in the final minutes of the game, ultimately losing by 11. Tyrese Haliburton scored only four points and missed all six of his shots from the field.

Stephen A. Smith criticizes Rick Carlisle for playing an injured Tyrese Haliburton in the second half of Game 5, saying he should've turned to T.J. McConnell instead.

Indiana's backup point guard provided a huge spark in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, but he saw little court time in the final quarter of a loss to the Thunder.

If there's undue slander against an individual in the NBA community, one can always rely on the Pacers head coach to set the record straight.