Hurt Haliburton Stays in Fight

Injured Pacers star pushing to level tie against Thunder and force Game 7

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INDIANAPOLIS — One win away from the first National Basketball Association title in franchise history, Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault believes preparation for Game 6 of the Finals on June 19 (June 20, Singapore time) at Indianapolis boils down to how the other sneaker fits.

"We're always trying to put ourselves in our opponent's shoes," he said of his team's focus with a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series ahead of the first elimination game of the NBA Finals.

"Zero and zero mindset. We're not introducing any new concepts right now, we're just relying on the psychological habits we've built over time."

Perspective might be more challenging for Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, as his squad faces the task of attempting to win two consecutive games against the Thunder, with All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton at less than full strength.

Carlisle said it will be late afternoon or early evening on June 19 before the Pacers have a realistic feel for what Haliburton can contribute, as Indiana attempt to send the series back to Oklahoma City for Game 7 on June 22.

He participated in a walk-through on June 18, but the 30-minute session involved no "real running," by Carlisle's assessment.