Tyrese Haliburton Sends Message Ahead of Game 5 of Thunder-Pacers NBA Finals

Tyrese Haliburton sends message ahead of Game 5 of Thunder-Pacers NBA Finals

The Thunder countered with a win of their own to tie the series at one heading to Indiana. The Pacers responded with a win to retake the series lead, albeit briefly, as the Thunder took Game 4 and headed back to Oklahoma City.

"I feel great, it's the best part about playoff series is when you get the chance to respond," Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton said. "I think that's the great thing about sports. You're going to have good games, you're going to have bad games, but there's nothing like the game to respond.

"I look forward to doing that with this group, coming out and competing. We have to be ready for a really big challenge that lies ahead with this team and in this environment, so I'm really looking forward to doing that with my teammates and seeing how we respond."

While some players shy away in big moments, Haliburton has continued to answer the call when the team needs him the most. Many are surprised to see the series tied after two games, as the Thunder were overwhelming favorites going into the series.

The Thunder used a 12-1 run down the stretch and 15 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the fourth quarter to help defeat the Pacers. If it wasn't for the MVP doing MVP things, the Thunder could've been staring down the barrel of elimination ahead of Game 5.