Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes responded after Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-91 to claim the championship. Mahomes offered a brief but heartfelt message following the news that Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered an Achilles injury during the contest.
Haliburton was injured early in the first quarter while driving to the basket, grimacing in pain before being ruled out of the game. His father, John Haliburton, confirmed the severity of the injury. Before exiting the game, Haliburton had scored nine points for Indiana.
In response to the injury, Mahomes took to social media and tweeted a simple message:
“Prayers up man… (three praying emojis)” —Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback
Impact of Haliburton’s Injury on the Pacers’ Performance in Final Game
The Pacers maintained a narrow one-point lead at halftime but struggled significantly in the second half without Haliburton. Their defense faltered, allowing the Thunder to post 34 points in the third quarter, which shifted momentum decisively in Oklahoma City’s favor.
Indiana’s top offensive contributor in the game was Benedict Mathurin, who scored 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Other key players included TJ McConnell and Pascal Siakam, each adding 16 points, with Andrew Nembhard contributing 15 markers.
Key Performances Fuel Oklahoma City Thunder’s Championship Victory
The Thunder were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who recorded a double-double with 29 points and 12 assists. His performance earned him the distinction of being the first player since LeBron James in 2013 to win both the regular-season and Finals MVP honors. Starters Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren combined for 38 points, while bench players Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace each contributed 10 points.
Former NFL Contributors and Future Outlook for the Chiefs According to Rich Eisen
Earlier this year, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs fell short in Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles despite a strong 15-2 regular-season record. Since then, the team has seen the departure of several key players, including multiple-time All-Pro guard Joe Thuney, who was traded to the Chicago Bears, and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens. Defensive players Tershawn Wharton and Justin Reid also moved on to the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints, respectively.
Despite these roster changes, sports analyst Rich Eisen predicts the Chiefs will sustain their elite status in 2025. On his show, Eisen shared his outlook, saying:
“Until I see otherwise, I’m going to assume the Chiefs are going to be as good, as well-coached, as youthful as ever.” —Rich Eisen, Sports Analyst
The Chiefs are set to begin their AFC Championship defense on September 5, facing the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with kickoff scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT. The game will be streamed online, marking a new international chapter for the team’s season.
Significance of Mahomes’ Reaction and What Lies Ahead
Patrick Mahomes’ concise message underscores the respect and concern athletes show across sports, reflecting the shared experience of injury and perseverance. Haliburton’s injury is a significant blow to the Pacers as they regroup following their narrow Finals appearance. Meanwhile, the Thunder’s triumph celebrates the rise of emerging stars like Gilgeous-Alexander and the continuation of a strong organizational legacy.
For Mahomes and the Chiefs, the offseason transitions will test their resilience, but expert predictions suggest they remain well-positioned to compete at a high level. The upcoming AFC Championship opener in Brazil signals a continued expansion of the NFL’s global footprint and sets the stage for what promises to be another competitive season.