The Indiana Pacers’ season ended in devastating fashion Sunday night in Oklahoma City, as star guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a severe right leg injury during Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Thunder. The injury, which his father immediately suspected was to the Achilles tendon, has since been confirmed as a tear, marking a heartbreaking conclusion to Haliburton’s remarkable playoff run and the Pacers’ championship hopes.
The Injury Moment
The critical moment occurred just under five minutes into the first quarter (4:55 remaining). Haliburton, who had started the decisive game strongly by hitting three deep 3-pointers for nine points, suddenly crumpled to the court. Replays appeared to show a distinct pop in the back of his right leg. Visibly in immense pain and frustration, he pounded the floor before needing assistance to leave the court. He was unable to put any weight on the leg, hopping on one foot with support and covering his face with a towel as he headed to the locker room.
Pacers medical staff, coaches, and teammates quickly surrounded him on the court, joined by Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who offered a word of encouragement. The gravity of the situation was immediately apparent to everyone present.
Diagnosis and Severity: An Achilles Tear Confirmed
While the Pacers initially ruled Haliburton out of Game 7 with a general “lower right leg injury,” the more specific and feared diagnosis came shortly after. Tyrese’s father, John Haliburton, told reporters during the game broadcast that it was an Achilles tendon injury, based on the replays. Simple tests performed by doctors often indicate the nature of such an injury even before imaging.
Subsequent confirmation verified the worst fears: Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon. Surgery was reportedly scheduled for Monday, indicating the severe nature of the damage. This injury represents a major blow, requiring a lengthy recovery period.
Battling Through Pain to Compete
The Achilles tear adds to a history of leg issues Haliburton faced throughout the series. He had been actively managing a strained right calf that had worsened during Game 5 of the Finals. Despite this pre-existing condition, Haliburton was determined to play in the pivotal final games.
He underwent extensive, virtually around-the-clock treatment to make himself available, utilizing hyperbaric chamber therapy, massage, needle treatments, electronic stimulation, special tape, and a wrap. Before Game 6, he acknowledged the risks but emphasized his competitive nature. “Have to understand the risks, ask the right questions,” Haliburton said. “I’m a competitor. I want to play. I’m going to do everything in my power to play. That’s just what it is.” Tragically, the physical toll ultimately caught up to him in Game 7.
Impact on Game 7
Haliburton’s exit profoundly impacted the trajectory of Game 7. While the Pacers managed to take a one-point lead into halftime despite losing their floor general, they struggled mightily in the second half. Losing their best player and offensive engine, the team lost its “verve,” managing only 43 points in the entire second half and committing eight turnovers in the third quarter alone. The Oklahoma City Thunder, who finished the season as the league’s best team, pulled away to win 103-91 and clinch the NBA title.
Displaying Character Amidst Heartbreak
Despite the crushing pain and the loss, Haliburton demonstrated remarkable character after the game. He was seen outside the Pacers’ locker room, wearing a walking boot and using crutches, greeting his teammates as they came off the floor.
“Doesn’t surprise me at all,” said Pacers guard TJ McConnell when asked about Haliburton’s presence. “That’s who he is as a person, a teammate. He put his ego aside constantly. He could have been in the locker room feeling sorry for himself after something like that happened, but he wasn’t. He was up greeting us. … That’s who Tyrese Haliburton is. He’s just the greatest, man.”
Pacers forward Pascal Siakam echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in Haliburton’s effort while lamenting that he couldn’t finish the game with them. Coach Rick Carlisle described the moment Haliburton went down as one where “All of our hearts dropped.” During the game, Haliburton reportedly watched from the locker room surrounded by family.
A Painful Addition to a Playoff Injury List
Haliburton’s Achilles tear adds his name to a distressing list of prominent players who suffered significant injuries during the 2025 NBA playoffs. Notably, Boston’s Jayson Tatum also reportedly suffered an Achilles tendon tear, severely impacting his team’s championship defense and potentially sidelining him for a significant portion of next season. Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard also tore an Achilles tendon earlier in the playoffs. Other stars like Stephen Curry (hamstring) and LeBron James (knee sprain) also faced injuries that could have affected their participation.
LeBron James’ reaction on social media to Haliburton’s injury – a one-word expletive – underscored the shock and perceived severity felt across the league.
Looking Ahead
An Achilles tendon tear is one of the most challenging injuries in basketball, often requiring a recovery period that can last from 9 to 12 months or longer, potentially impacting availability deep into the 2025-26 NBA season. It’s a devastating setback for a player who had been the undisputed “heart” of the Pacers’ playoff run, averaging 17.7 points, 9 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals this postseason, with Coach Carlisle calling his performance “one of the great individual playoff runs in the history of the NBA.”
Despite the bleak immediate future, there is hope for Haliburton’s eventual return. Coach Carlisle stated confidently that Haliburton “will be back” and “make a full recovery.” Teammates like Siakam also expressed belief in his future success, saying, “there’s more coming.” While the recovery will be long and arduous, the young star’s determination and character shown even in the face of this setback offer hope for his future return to elite play.
