Tyrese Haliburton reveals how girlfriend and Love Island are part of injury rehab

Jalen Brunson isn’t the only NBA star captivated by a certain reality TV dating show.Speaking to ESPN on Thursday after taking down the Thunder in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton revealed how watching “Love Island” with girlfriend Jade Jones has been part of his recovery from a strained right calf.“My girl, Jade, is staying on me to keep doing the treatment when the people aren’t there, she wants to watch ‘Love Island’ right now and she’s like, ‘Before we put it on, we’ve got to put something on the calf,'” said Haliburton, who scored 14 points in Indiana’s 108-91 win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to force a Game 7.Jones, who has supported Haliburton, 25, throughout the Pacers’ playoff run, later verified her boyfriend’s remarks.“You heard!!!!” she exclaimed in an Instagram Story that featured a clip of Haliburton opening up about their “Love Island” watch parties.An international sensation, “Love Island” has interactions across the globe, with the U.S.version launching its seventh season on Peacock earlier this month.Hosted by Bravo alum Ariana Madix, the show follows a group of singles looking to find love in a dreamy locale.

Days before Haliburton revealed his “Love Island” fandom, Knicks star Brunson sent fans into a tizzy after posting a cryptic tweet about the beloved show.“I am genuinely confused,” the two-time NBA All-Star wrote Tuesday on X before immediately following up with, “Damn my bad yall, I was talking about love island.”Though unclear if Haliburton and Brunson, 28, have exchanged “Love Island” takes, the two recently clashed in the Eastern Conference finals, where the Pacers finished the Knicks in six games.Haliburton has been grappling with injuries to his right leg, which were spotlighted Monday in a forgettable Game 5.He is averaging 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 9 assists this postseason.Game 7 is set for Sunday night in Oklahoma City....