The Indiana Pacers and their fans are reeling after MRI results confirmed the worst fears regarding Tyrese Haliburton's injury sustained during Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Initial concerns about a lower leg injury have been confirmed as a torn Achilles tendon in his right leg, an injury that could sideline the star point guard for a significant portion of the 2025-2026 season, if not the entire year.
Haliburton, who had been playing through a right calf strain suffered earlier in the series, went down early in the first quarter after attempting a drive to the basket. The non-contact nature of the injury immediately sparked concern, and Haliburton's visible pain as he pounded the floor only heightened fears. He was helped off the court, unable to put any weight on the injured leg and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game.
The confirmation of the torn Achilles is a devastating blow for the Pacers, who had relied heavily on Haliburton's playmaking, scoring, and leadership throughout their impressive playoff run. The 25-year-old All-Star had quickly become the face of the franchise, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt both on and off the court.
The injury not only impacts the Pacers' immediate future but also raises questions about the management of star players during high-stakes playoff games. Some observers have questioned whether Haliburton's pre-existing calf injury contributed to the Achilles tear, fueling the debate about the physical toll of the modern NBA schedule and the pressure on players to perform through pain.
Despite the crushing end to their season, Pacers fans have rallied around Haliburton, demonstrating their unwavering support for their star player. Roughly two dozen fans gathered at Indianapolis International Airport at 2:30 a.m. to welcome the team back from Oklahoma City. As Haliburton was wheeled through the airport in a wheelchair, fans erupted in cheers and chants of his name, a powerful display of solidarity during a difficult time.
The outpouring of support extended beyond the airport, with fans flooding social media with messages of encouragement and well-wishes under the hashtag #PrayForTyrese. The Pacers organization has yet to release an official statement beyond coach Rick Carlisle's brief comment, but reports indicate that the team is shaken by the news.
Looking ahead, the Pacers face a challenging road without their star point guard. While players like Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin will need to step up in Haliburton's absence, replacing his unique skillset and leadership will be a tall order. The team will need to carefully consider its approach to the upcoming season, balancing the need to remain competitive with the long-term goal of building a championship contender around a fully recovered Tyrese Haliburton.
