Tyrese Haliburton's Game 5 stinker validates claim he's not a superstar

Hali was also constantly targeted by the Thunder's ball-handlers, with Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander routinely blowing past him and generating easy offense for the home team. 

The 25-year-old was hobbled for most of the game with a right ankle injury. He was spotted going to the locker room early in the second quarter with his calf wrapped, and was again seen limping on his way to the podium during his postgame news conference. 

To his credit, Hali refused to make excuses for his stinker of a performance, but acknowledged that the injury compromised him.

"It's the Finals. I've worked my whole life to be here, and I wanted to compete and help my teammates in any way I can," he said. "I was not great tonight by any means, but it’s not really a thought of mine to not play here. If I can walk, then I wanna play."

Hali assured the media that he'll be "ready to go" for Thursday's Game 6 when the Pacers' season will be on the line.

While Haliburton deserves some leeway for his Game 5 performance, he has been too inconsistent in the Finals, validating claims by some analysts that he is not a superstar-level player.

Through five games thus far, Hali has shot 29.4 percent from three while committing 4.0 turnovers per game. The latter number suggests he has failed to penetrate OKC's No.1-ranked defense after having his way against weaker New York and Cleveland defensive units. Another metric supporting this claim is that assist numbers (7.2) are also significantly down from the Knicks series (10.5).

Perhaps Hali will have the last laugh by forcing a Game 7 and helping the Pacers capture their elusive title. However, even if he does, the lion's share of the credit will go to Pascal Siakam, who has consistently carried Indiana's offense in the Finals, unlike Haliburton, who has been hot and cold from night to night — not the traits of a superstar.