Achilles Injury Sidelines Haliburton, His Heroics Won’t Be Forgotten
Tyrese Haliburton left it all on the court tonight.
In one of the most emotional moments of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers star was helped off the floor after suffering a non-contact injury to his lower right leg in the first quarter of Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pacers later confirmed he would not return, and his father revealed to ESPN that the injury was to his Achilles.
Haliburton had been fighting through a strained right calf all series long, and still came into Game 7 ready to go. With under five minutes left in the first quarter, he collapsed driving to the basket, slamming the court in visible frustration and pain. The entire Pacers team rushed over as the arena fell silent.
It was a heartbreaking sight, not just because of the injury, but because of how much Tyrese meant to this magical playoff run for Indiana.
Still Heroic, Despite the Pain
Despite the setback, Haliburton showed exactly why he’s earned the love of fans and teammates alike. Cameras caught him on crutches after the game, still waiting in the tunnel to embrace and uplift every one of his teammates. He wasn’t just the face of the Pacers, he was the soul.
“He was up consoling us after the loss,” said teammate T.J. McConnell. “That’s who Tyrese Haliburton is. He’s just the greatest, man.”
He is. Let’s not forget: this young man led the Pacers on one of the most thrilling playoff runs we’ve seen in years…including hitting a game-winner or game-tying shot in all four rounds, something no one in NBA history had done before.
He averaged 17.7 points and 9 assists per game on 46% shooting during the playoffs, and racked up 197 assists, setting a new Pacers postseason record.
At just 25 years old, Tyrese Haliburton is already a star and this run cemented his legacy in Indiana forever.
From all of us here in Baltimore and across the basketball world, we’re praying for a speedy recovery. You’ll be back, Tyrese, and when you are, the league better be ready.
