The NBA Finals Game 7 between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder took a heartbreaking turn when Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury forced the young star off the court. Just seven minutes into the first quarter, the Pacers’ point guard collapsed in agony, unable to continue. This devastating moment not only impacted the game’s outcome but also left fans and teammates reeling. Let’s dive into the latest details surrounding this shocking injury and what it means for Haliburton and the Pacers.
The Moment Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles Injury Occurred
With the score tied at 16-16, Haliburton was driving against Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander when he planted his right leg and fell without contact. The 25-year-old All-Star immediately pounded the court in pain, signaling the severity of the injury. Replays showed a ripple in his calf, a telltale sign of a potential Achilles rupture. The Pacers quickly ruled him out for the game, initially calling it a “right lower leg injury.” Haliburton’s father, John, later confirmed to ESPN’s Lisa Salters that it was indeed an Achilles injury.
Before the injury, Haliburton was electric, dropping nine points on three 3-pointers. His hot start had kept Indiana competitive in the do-or-die game. The loss of their floor general shifted the momentum, as the Thunder pulled away for a 103-91 victory, securing their first NBA title since relocating to Oklahoma City.
Key Details About Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles Injury
Haliburton’s Achilles injury didn’t come out of nowhere. He had been battling a right calf strain since Game 5 of the Finals. Despite the pain, he played through it in Game 6, scoring 14 points in a blowout win that forced Game 7. Experts note that calf strains can increase the risk of Achilles issues, a pattern seen in past cases like Kevin Durant’s 2019 Finals injury. Haliburton himself acknowledged the risks but insisted on playing, saying, “It’s the Finals. If I can walk, I want to play.”
Key Point Summary:
- Injury Timing: First quarter of Game 7, June 22, 2025.
- Prior Condition: Right calf strain from Game 5.
- Impact: Ruled out for Game 7; potential long-term absence.
- Performance: 9 points (3-for-4 from three) before injury.
What’s Next for Haliburton and the Pacers?
The immediate concern is the severity of Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury. If it’s a full rupture, recovery could take 8-10 months, potentially sidelining him for most or all of the 2025-26 season. An MRI is expected to confirm the diagnosis. Dr. Louis J. Soslowsky, an orthopedic expert, explained that Achilles tears often require surgery and extensive rehab to prevent re-rupture. For a dynamic player like Haliburton, this could be a significant setback.
The Pacers, who reached their first Finals since 2000, now face uncertainty. Haliburton’s playoff heroics—averaging 17.7 points and 9.0 assists, with four game-tying or winning shots—made him the heart of their improbable run. Teammate Pascal Siakam praised his resilience, saying, “He gave us everything he had.” Without him, Indiana will lean on Siakam, Myles Turner, and T.J. McConnell to stay competitive next season.
Emotional Impact on Fans and Players
The sight of Haliburton on crutches, consoling teammates after the loss, tugged at heartstrings across the NBA. Social media erupted with support, with fans calling him “the best young American player” and wishing for a speedy recovery. LeBron James expressed the collective shock in a raw, emotional post. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle remained optimistic, stating, “He’ll be back. I believe he’ll make a full recovery.”
| Player Reactions to Haliburton’s Injury |
|---|
| Pascal Siakam: “I’m proud of that kid. He kept fighting every single day.” |
| Rick Carlisle: “He authored one of the great playoff runs in NBA history.” |
| LeBron James: Shared an emotional, NSFW reaction on social media. |
Looking Ahead: Haliburton’s Road to Recovery
Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury casts a shadow over his bright future, but his youth and determination offer hope. At just 25, he has time to return to All-Star form. The Pacers’ medical staff will likely prioritize a cautious rehab to ensure he regains his explosive playmaking ability. Fans can expect updates on his MRI results and potential surgery in the coming days.
For now, the basketball world rallies behind Haliburton. His clutch performances, from buzzer-beaters to leading Indiana’s Cinderella run, have cemented his status as a rising star. This injury is a hurdle, not the end. As Siakam said, “He’s one of the big reasons I’m here. He made it super fun.”
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