The culmination of an improbable playoff run for the Indiana Pacers dissolved rapidly in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Less than seven minutes into the deciding game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, the engine of their offense, collapsed with a severe right leg injury. His exit proved a blow too great to overcome, as the Pacers ultimately fell 103-91, ending their championship aspirations and paving the way for the Thunder’s first title since relocating to Oklahoma City 17 years prior.
Haliburton, the catalyst behind Indiana’s numerous playoff comebacks and the author of their Game 1 Finals winner, had been battling a right calf strain since Game 5 of the series. Despite the discomfort and acknowledging the inherent risk, he was determined to play in the winner-take-all finale, stating he wanted to “go to war” with his teammates.
The Moment That Changed Everything
The devastating incident occurred approximately five to seven minutes into the first quarter at Paycom Center. Haliburton was attempting a step-back move on the left wing against Thunder defender Shai Gilgeous-Alexander when his right leg gave out. He collapsed forward onto the court, immediately showing signs of severe pain. Reports noted he pounded the floor and exclaimed “No! No!” in anguish before a timeout was called.
Unable to put any weight on his injured leg, Haliburton needed assistance to get off the court, hopping on his left foot towards the locker room tunnel, covering his head with a towel. The sight sent a wave of concern through both teams and the entire arena. Before the injury, Haliburton had started strong, contributing 9 points on 3-of-4 (or 3-of-5, per different reports) shooting from beyond the arc in just seven minutes.
Feared Severity and History
While the Pacers officially termed the injury a “right lower leg injury” and quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the game, the immediate fear surrounding the injury’s nature was significant. According to reports from ESPN’s Lisa Salters, Tyrese’s father, John Haliburton, indicated from the Pacers’ locker room that the injury was to the Achilles tendon.
An Achilles tear is a devastating setback for any athlete, typically requiring surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process that can sideline a player for an entire season. Worryingly, this potential injury aligns with a string of high-profile Achilles issues seen recently in the NBA, including devastating tears suffered by Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum earlier in the 2025 playoffs. It also draws parallels to Kevin Durant’s ruptured Achilles in the 2019 Finals, which occurred after he attempted to play through a calf strain – a risk experts highlight when discussing Haliburton’s situation.
Playing Through Pain: The Cost
Haliburton’s Game 7 injury wasn’t entirely unforeseen, given his physical status heading into the crucial contest. He had been managing a right calf strain suffered in Game 5 in Oklahoma City, an injury that visibly hindered his performance in that game, where he struggled significantly and made “unfortunate history” with an uncharacteristic stat line (zero field goals, steals, or blocks, plus multiple turnovers/fouls in over 30 minutes).
Despite the discomfort, he was cleared to play in the must-win Game 6, contributing 14 points and 5 assists in only 23 minutes to help force Game 7. Leading up to the finale, Haliburton acknowledged feeling “a little stiff, a little sore” but was committed to playing, stating he’d go “as long as I could walk.” He even had an “honest conversation” with Coach Carlisle about being monitored and potentially pulled if he wasn’t effective. The cumulative toll of playing through the existing strain ultimately culminated in the worst possible outcome on the NBA’s biggest stage.
The Game’s Turning Point
With their primary offensive engine sidelined just minutes into the game, the Pacers faced an immediate and overwhelming challenge. The score was tied 16-16 when Haliburton exited. Without his playmaking and scoring punch, Indiana struggled to find consistent offense.
While the Pacers, fueled by adrenaline and the efforts of players like backup point guard T.J. McConnell (who provided a temporary spark including a 10-point run), managed to hold a narrow 48-47 lead at halftime, their ability to keep pace waned in the second half. The Thunder, led by their own MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, seized control, using key runs early in the third quarter (a 9-3 spurt followed by a 9-0 run) to build a decisive lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The Pacers finished the game with their lowest scoring total of the entire playoffs, a testament to Haliburton’s irreplaceable value.
Reactions and Resilience
The emotional impact of Haliburton’s injury on his teammates and coach was profound. Rick Carlisle admitted, “What happened with Tyrese, all of our hearts dropped,” though he expressed confidence in a full recovery down the line. Opponent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also voiced deep sympathy, calling the situation “not fair” and saying he couldn’t imagine it happening in the biggest game of his life.
Pacers center Myles Turner called it a “heartbreak,” acknowledging it was “unfortunate” that Haliburton’s body couldn’t hold up but emphasizing the team’s “next-man-up” mentality. Backup guard T.J. McConnell described the team being “shaken up” but highlighted the immediate support for Haliburton, hugging him at halftime and vowing support through his potential rehab. McConnell lauded Haliburton’s selflessness, noting he cheered from the sideline on crutches and met the team in the locker room afterward, calling him “one of the greatest human beings I’ve come in contact with.”
Haliburton’s Playoff Impact
Haliburton’s injury marks a cruel and abrupt end to what had been a defining playoff run for the young star. The All-NBA Third Team selection was widely considered the heart and soul of the Pacers, averaging 17.7 points, 9 assists, and 5.6 rebounds throughout the postseason and orchestrating numerous dramatic victories. While his performance in the Finals series itself had moments of inconsistency, his overall value and leadership were undeniable.
Losing their undisputed best player in the decisive Game 7, even as underdogs facing the league’s winningest team, proved an insurmountable hurdle for Indiana. The focus for the Pacers now shifts from the disappointment of the Finals loss to supporting their star guard through what is likely to be a challenging recovery process.
