A devastating blow struck the Indiana Pacers and their fanbase as All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during the crucial Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. The severity of the injury was confirmed via MRI on Monday, and Haliburton underwent surgery later that same day to begin the long road to recovery.
The injury occurred in the first quarter of Game 7, less than five minutes into the contest. While attempting to drive to the basket, Haliburton pushed off his right foot and immediately collapsed, visibly in pain. He was unable to bear weight on the leg and was helped off the court, taken directly to the locker room. The unfortunate incident happened with the game tied 16-16, and his absence was keenly felt as the Pacers ultimately lost Game 7, ending their championship bid.
Adding to the heartbreak, Haliburton had already been battling a strained right calf on the same leg since Game 5 of the Finals. He had been receiving extensive, around-the-clock treatment, including methods like hyperbaric chambers, massage, and stimulation, showcasing immense determination to play through the pain and compete alongside his teammates. Despite the pre-existing calf issue, he had managed to play effectively in Game 6 to help force the decisive Game 7 before the more severe Achilles injury occurred.
The surgery to repair the torn Achilles was performed by Dr. Martin O’Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Dr. O’Malley is a highly regarded surgeon known for operating on similar Achilles injuries, including those of other NBA players like Pacers centers Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman, as well as Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who also suffered an Achilles injury during the 2025 playoffs.
A torn Achilles tendon is one of the most challenging injuries in basketball, typically requiring a recovery period of 8 to 10 months. This timeline significantly jeopardizes Haliburton’s participation in the entire 2025-26 NBA season and could potentially impact his performance for even longer after his return.
Despite the grim diagnosis and the immediate impact on his future, Haliburton has expressed a resilient mindset. Following his surgery, he shared a determined message, stating his belief that he will emerge from this challenge as a better man and player. He emphatically declared that he doesn’t regret fighting for his team and city, adding a resolute “Watch How I Come Back From This.” His commitment to his teammates was also evident when he greeted them outside the locker room after the Game 7 loss, an act praised for its selflessness.
Haliburton’s injury is a major blow for the Pacers. He had transformed the franchise since arriving from Sacramento, evolving into a superstar and earning Third-Team All-NBA honors for the second consecutive year. Despite a challenging start to the 2024-25 season, he rebounded strongly to average 18.6 points and 9.2 assists, leading the entire NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio. His leadership and clutch performances, including hitting game-tying or winning shots in four different playoff comeback victories, were instrumental in guiding the Pacers to their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years.
With Haliburton sidelined for potentially all of next season, the responsibility will likely fall more heavily on players like Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin to lead the team. The injury joins a concerning trend of Achilles tears affecting prominent players during the 2025 NBA playoffs, highlighting the physical toll of the season. While the future outlook for the Pacers is undoubtedly clouded by this injury, the team and Haliburton remain focused on his recovery and eventual return to form.
