In a fiery halftime critique during Game 5 of the NBA Finals, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith did not hold back on his assessment of Tyrese Haliburton's performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Haliburton, who played through calf tightness, had a dismal showing, scoring just four points and missing all six of his shots. Smith's pointed commentary suggested that he was not only critical of Haliburton's game but also implied that the injury provided a convenient excuse for the player's underwhelming performance. Despite the Indiana Pacers ultimately losing the game by 11 points, they managed to cut the deficit to just two in the fourth quarter. However, Haliburton's hindered ability was a significant factor in their inability to secure a win.

The comments sparked backlash, particularly from Boston Celtics player Oshae Brissett, who previously played alongside Haliburton. Brissett took to social media to express his disapproval, using a clown emoji to convey his feelings about Smith's remarks. Although Brissett did not play a crucial role in the Celtics' championship success, he remains respected within the league and his stance highlights the solidarity among players regarding criticism of their peers. As the series progresses, Haliburton's health will be a major concern for the Pacers as they face the uphill challenge of overcoming a 3-2 deficit.