The Indiana Pacers’ valiant playoff journey ended in heartbreak on Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who captured their first NBA championship with a 103-91 win. The turning point came early in the game when Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles, drastically altering the course of the series. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics faced their own setback when Jayson Tatum suffered a similar injury during the Eastern Conference playoffs, significantly affecting their championship aspirations.
Cedric Maxwell Highlights Key Performances Amid Adversity
Cedric Maxwell, Celtics legend and two-time NBA champion, acknowledged the effort from the underdog Pacers, praising T.J. McConnell and coach Rick Carlisle for their leadership throughout the playoffs. Despite Indiana’s early competitiveness in Game 7, Maxwell emphasized the impact of Haliburton’s injury on the team’s collapse. The Pacers lost the energy and momentum that had fueled their spirited postseason run.
“When games go like this, to me it is almost scripted at the end,”
Maxwell said, describing how Haliburton’s early three three-pointers energized the Pacers before the injury shifted the game’s dynamic.
“Indiana had nothing to lose…I think that’s why they played early. They played well early, but you could see the bubble; all the air just go out of the bubble when it happened, and the injury. Same thing happened with the Celtics when Tatum went down,”
he added, drawing parallels between the two star players’ injuries and their teams’ performances.
Jayson Tatum’s Achilles Injury Marked a Turning Point for the Celtics
Tatum’s Achilles injury occurred in Game 4 of the Celtics’ Eastern Conference series against the New York Knicks, putting Boston in a 3-1 deficit. Despite efforts led by Jaylen Brown, the Celtics could not complete a comeback, and the Knicks advanced to the Conference Finals. Maxwell remarked on the inevitable decline following Tatum’s absence.
“It was just a matter of time before the team was over,”
Maxwell stated, underscoring the finality brought by the injury.
Future Uncertain for Both Teams Following Key Player Losses
For the Celtics, Tatum’s extended recovery will likely cause significant challenges due to salary cap limits and roster adjustments in the coming offseason, potentially signaling the end of the current core’s era. Meanwhile, the Pacers face critical decisions about their roster and rebuilding plans as Haliburton’s injury leaves the team’s timeline unclear.
Coach Rick Carlisle’s group hopes to regroup and return stronger, but many experts question how the team will navigate the uncertainties ahead, including how long Haliburton will be sidelined and the potential for roster changes.