Tyrese Haliburton’s promising start in the NBA Finals Game 7 quickly ended as he was forced to leave the court with less than five minutes remaining in the first quarter due to a severe right leg injury. The Indiana Pacers guard, who had been managing a calf strain over the past two games, is feared to have torn his Achilles tendon during the intense winner-take-all matchup.
Confirming the injury, Haliburton’s father, John, told ESPN that his son had suffered an Achilles injury. The Pacers described the injury as a “right lower leg injury” and announced Haliburton would not return to play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in their next game.
Details of the Injury and Immediate Reaction
The painful scene resembled other torn Achilles injuries seen in this postseason. Haliburton collapsed in visible agony, clearly aware of the injury’s severity. Before the injury, Haliburton had been performing exceptionally, hitting three three-pointers in the first quarter and appearing ready to carry the Pacers to victory.
However, just seven minutes into the game, his night was abruptly cut short when he collapsed, pounding the floor with his fist, yelling and weeping at the realization of the severity of his injury. The moment marked a heartbreaking turn for the two-time All-Star.
Previous Calf Strain and Injury Risks Addressed by Haliburton
Haliburton had first suffered his calf strain in Game 5, and the connection between such a strain and a torn Achilles has become more apparent since Kevin Durant experienced a similar sequence during the 2019 NBA Finals. Durant’s injury showed the risks involved when playing through calf problems.
Before Game 6, Haliburton openly discussed the dangers related to playing with a strained calf in the Pacers’ locker room. He said,
“I just had to hear that it was OK,” Haliburton said in the Pacers’ locker room in pre-game. “That’s all I really had to hear, honestly. I know the risks, I know everything that comes with it. I just had to hear it was OK.”
Asked if he was told there was no risk of further injury, he responded,
“No, I didn’t hear that,” Haliburton said. “No.”
Context of Achilles Injuries Across the Playoffs
If confirmed, Haliburton would become the third All-Star to suffer a torn Achilles during these playoffs. Bucks star Damian Lillard tore his Achilles in the first round, and Celtics forward Jayson Tatum sustained the same injury in the second round. Both players are expected to miss significant portions of the 2025-26 NBA season due to their injuries.
Haliburton’s injury adds to the growing list of significant early losses impacting several playoff contenders, highlighting the toll the postseason is taking on top players.
Haliburton’s Contributions and Outlook Moving Forward
Tyrese Haliburton entered the NBA Finals averaging 17.7 points and 9.0 assists per game, showcasing his rising star status with clutch performances throughout the playoffs. He has nailed four game-winning shots this postseason, including a decisive buzzer-beater in Game 1 against the Thunder.
The injury not only affects Haliburton’s season but also the Pacers’ immediate and future prospects, as they face the challenge of moving forward without one of their key contributors. CBS Sports will provide updates as new information about Haliburton’s condition becomes available.