Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton was forced to leave the court in the opening quarter of Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals after sustaining a noncontact injury to his right lower leg. The team confirmed he would not return to the game following the injury.
Haliburton, a two-time NBA All-Star, had scored nine points early before collapsing while driving to the basket after receiving a pass on the wing. The injury occurred suddenly as he dribbled with his left hand, causing him to fall and lose possession. Medical staff helped him off the court, and the Pacers later officially ruled him out in the second quarter due to the severity of the injury.
Context of Haliburton’s injury and prior calf strain
Prior to this devastating blow, Haliburton had suffered a right calf strain in Game 5 but still managed to log 23 minutes in Game 6, which resulted in a dominant win for the Pacers. He went through intensive treatment in hopes of playing Game 7, expressing confidence he would take the floor despite the lingering calf issues.
Reactions from sports figures and the wider community
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers was among the first to react on social media, expressing shock and frustration with a terse expletive on X, formerly Twitter. Fellow athletes and fans flooded social media with messages of support and prayers for Haliburton’s recovery, reflecting the anxiety and concern felt across the sports world.
“Them calf strains are nothing to play with. The next thing if not healed right is always Achilles. Man I feel bad for bro!!” — Isaiah Thomas, former NBA player
Other messages echoed similar sentiments, with many praying for Haliburton’s health and hoping the injury was not a career-threatening Achilles rupture. The urgency and somber mood underscored how impactful Haliburton’s injury was during this critical NBA Finals matchup.
Potential implications for the Pacers and NBA Finals
Haliburton’s injury dramatically alters the dynamics of Game 7, leaving the Pacers without one of their key playmakers on the biggest stage. An Achilles injury is a serious setback that can require a lengthy rehabilitation period, casting uncertainty on Haliburton’s immediate future in the league. As the final moments of the NBA Finals unfold, all eyes remain on the Pacers’ response and the extent of Haliburton’s injury impact on their championship aspirations.