The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, securing their first championship since relocating from Seattle in 2008. The game, played on Sunday night, saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead the Thunder with 29 points and 12 assists, earning him the Finals MVP award. However, a significant moment early in the game cast a shadow over the Pacers' chances and sparked a major "what if" scenario: the injury to Tyrese Haliburton.
Haliburton, the Pacers' star point guard, went down with an apparent right lower leg injury in the first quarter. According to his father, it is an Achilles injury. While the team officially announced he would not return, the emotional impact was immediately evident as Haliburton pounded the floor in pain. This injury occurred while Haliburton was already playing through a strained right calf, making his determination to compete even more poignant. Before exiting the game, Haliburton had managed 9 points, shooting 3-of-5 from the field.
The immediate question on everyone's mind was: could the Pacers have won with a healthy Haliburton? The Pacers, who had defied expectations throughout the playoffs, struggled to maintain their momentum after Haliburton's departure. While they kept the game close in the first half, leading 48-47, the Thunder dominated the third quarter, outscoring Indiana 34-20. This shift created a deficit that the Pacers, without their floor general, couldn't overcome.
Haliburton's absence wasn't just about losing his scoring touch; it was about the playmaking, leadership, and overall offensive orchestration he brings to the team. Throughout the season, the Pacers' performance has been noticeably different when Haliburton is off the court. While they showed growth last season in being able to win without Haliburton, going 7-6, this year they are 4-5 without him. The numbers highlight how crucial he is to their success.
Without Haliburton, the Pacers lost a key element of their offensive identity. He was instrumental in their improbable run to the NBA Finals. Prior to the injury, Haliburton expressed his determination to play through the pain. He emphasized his desire to compete alongside his teammates and contribute to their special season. He even had an agreement with Coach Rick Carlisle that he would be taken out of the game if he was hurting the team.
Ultimately, the Thunder's victory shouldn't be diminished. Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP performance and the contributions from Jalen Williams (20 points) and Chet Holmgren (18 points) showcased the Thunder's depth and talent. Their journey to the championship, marked by a league-best 68 regular-season wins, was a testament to their consistent excellence.
However, the Pacers' loss is undeniably intertwined with Haliburton's injury. While it's impossible to say definitively whether a healthy Haliburton would have guaranteed a Pacers victory, his presence would have undoubtedly changed the game's dynamics. The "what if" scenario will likely linger in the minds of Pacers fans throughout the off-season, adding a layer of heartbreak to their Finals defeat. The extent of Haliburton's Achilles injury could have long-term implications for the Pacers, potentially impacting his availability for the entire 2025-2026 season.
