The Indiana Pacers' dreams of capturing their first NBA championship were brutally dashed in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but the loss was compounded by a potentially devastating injury to their star point guard, Tyrese Haliburton. Just minutes into the pivotal game, Haliburton went down with a non-contact injury to his right leg, casting a pall over Indiana's hopes and raising serious concerns about his future.
Haliburton's father, John, told ESPN that his son had suffered an Achilles injury. The team officially ruled him out for the remainder of the game with what they described as a "lower right leg injury". The দৃশ্য was heart-wrenching: Haliburton pounding the floor in obvious pain, his teammates rushing to surround him, and eventually being helped off the court, unable to put any weight on his injured leg. He was later seen on crutches, wearing a medical boot, as he made his way through the tunnel.
The injury occurred as Haliburton was already playing through a strained right calf sustained earlier in the series. He had insisted on playing, stating that he'd "worked my whole life to be here" and wanted to compete, despite the risks. Prior to Game 6, he acknowledged those risks, saying he had to "understand the risks, ask the right questions" and trusted the Pacers' medical staff.
The fear now is that Haliburton has suffered a torn Achilles tendon. Should the diagnosis be confirmed, Haliburton would likely miss a significant portion, if not all, of the 2025-26 season. Achilles injuries typically require surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process, with recovery times ranging from six to eight months or more.
The potential long-term absence of Haliburton is a crushing blow to the Pacers. He has been the engine of their offense, a dynamic playmaker, and a vocal leader. His impact on the team is undeniable, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt on both ends of the court. In the playoffs, Haliburton averaged 17.7 points, 9.0 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, showcasing his all-around impact.
The Pacers' odds of winning the NBA Finals next season have already plummeted. Before Game 7, they were listed at +800 to win the title, but those odds have now shifted to +1800, a significant drop that reflects the uncertainty surrounding Haliburton's injury and potential absence. They have fallen behind teams like the New York Knicks, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers.
The NBA community has reacted with shock and dismay to Haliburton's injury. LeBron James and other NBA stars expressed their sympathy and support on social media. Coach Rick Carlisle, while not offering specific details, acknowledged the emotional toll, stating that "all of our hearts dropped" when Haliburton went down. He did express optimism about Haliburton's recovery, saying, "He will be back. ... I believe he'll make a full recovery."
Unfortunately, Haliburton is the third NBA All-Star to potentially suffer a torn Achilles in the 2025 playoffs, following Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum. Some are now questioning whether the NBA has a bigger problem with players pushing through injuries.
While the full extent of Tyrese Haliburton's injury is still to be determined, the initial signs are ominous. A potential Achilles tear not only cost the Pacers a chance at the title but also threatens to derail their future. The road ahead will be challenging, but the Pacers will need to rally around their injured star and prepare for a season without their floor general.
