Tyrese Haliburton, star guard for the Indiana Pacers, suffered a severe Achilles injury during Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on June 23, 2025. This injury, confirmed as a torn right Achilles tendon, abruptly ended his participation in the NBA Finals and left fans and teammates in shock as they witnessed him struggle to leave the court with assistance.
Details of Haliburton’s Achilles Injury During Crucial Game
Haliburton, who had been playing through a calf strain in the same leg earlier in the series, faced a brutal setback late in the game. The injury occurred in the early moments of the final quarter, forcing him out immediately. Visuals circulating from the game displayed the severity of the injury, with his Achilles tendon visibly rupturing on camera. The incident extinguished the hopes of one of the NBA’s most compelling playoff performances.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania,
“Breaking: Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton sustained a torn right Achilles tendon in Game 7 against Oklahoma City, sources tell ESPN. Haliburton played through a calf strain in the same leg during the NBA Finals for an opportunity to win a championship.”
—Shams Charania, NBA Insider
Team Reaction and Haliburton’s Impact on the Playoffs
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle expressed a mixture of heartbreak and hope following the injury. He described the moment as a collective shock among teammates and staff, but also conveyed confidence in Haliburton’s ability to recover fully. Carlisle remarked,
“What happened with Tyrese, just all of our hearts dropped. He will be back. I don’t have any medical information about what may or may not have happened, but he’ll be back in time. I believe he’ll make a full recovery.”
The coach also praised Haliburton’s extraordinary playoff efforts, noting the rare nature of his performance.
“He authored one of the great individual playoff runs in the history of the NBA with dramatic play after dramatic play. It was just something that no one’s ever seen, and did it as one of 17. That’s the beautiful thing about him. As great of a player as he is, it’s always a team thing. Our hearts go out to him.”
—Rick Carlisle, Indiana Pacers Head Coach
Fan Response and Emotional Toll at Indiana Airport
News of Haliburton’s injury quickly spread, leading to a heartfelt response from fans who gathered at the Indiana airport, showing their support as the player returned. The communal outpouring highlighted the deep connection between Haliburton and the Indiana community, who had embraced his breakout performances and leadership during the Pacers’ playoff run.
The mood was somber but supportive, reflecting the gravity of losing a key player in such a critical moment. Haliburton had carried the team’s hopes through multiple tense playoff moments, and his departure marked a significant emotional blow to the franchise and its followers.
Context of Haliburton’s Role Throughout the NBA Finals
Haliburton’s commitment to the championship pursuit was evident as he battled through injuries during the entire Finals series. His resilience on the court, delivering remarkable plays despite physical setbacks, earned him widespread admiration. His unfortunate Achilles injury, therefore, not only affected the team’s immediate chances but also ended a significant chapter of individual determination and skill displayed on the NBA’s biggest stage.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Team Prospects
While the full extent of the recovery timeline remains uncertain, the belief expressed by the Pacers’ coaching staff offers cautious optimism. Historically, Achilles tendon injuries can require extended rehabilitation, but many athletes have successfully returned to competitive form. As the Pacers regroup, attention will shift to supporting Haliburton’s journey toward recovery and adjusting their lineup for the next season.
Tyrese Haliburton’s injury stands as a pivotal moment, underscoring the fragility of athletic careers but also rallying the community around a player whose impact transcended the court. His future return will be closely watched by fans, teammates, and the wider NBA landscape, as they await the next chapter of his promising career.