Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton tore his right Achilles tendon during the first quarter of Game 7 in the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on June 22, 2025, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. This injury occurred after Haliburton had already contributed nine points in seven minutes, impacting the team‘s performance in the decisive match.
The Impact of Haliburton’s Injury on the Pacers’ Game 7 Performance
Despite Haliburton’s early scoring, Indiana only held a narrow 48-47 lead at halftime. Once their primary ball handler exited the game, the Pacers struggled offensively in the third quarter when the Thunder pushed their lead to as many as 22 points. Indiana’s reserves, including guards T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin, delivered impressive scoring efforts to reduce the deficit in the final quarter. However, Oklahoma City’s overall team health and depth allowed them to secure a 103-91 victory, ending Indiana’s Finals run.
Background on Haliburton’s Health and Historical Comparisons
Before this injury, Haliburton had been contending with a calf issue, which did not impede his dominant 108-91 Game 6 win with the Pacers. His torn Achilles draws parallels to Kevin Durant’s 2019 injury during the NBA Finals while playing for the Golden State Warriors. Durant also suffered a calf strain before tearing his Achilles, causing him to miss an entire season. Fortunately, Durant’s recovery allowed him to return successfully to the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets, offering a hopeful precedent for Haliburton’s rehabilitation.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Career So Far and Future Outlook
At just 25 years old, Haliburton has already become a leading figure for Indiana, earning two All-NBA and two All-Star selections. He guided the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals in both 2024 and 2025, pushing the franchise to its first NBA Finals appearance in years. In addition to his professional achievements, Haliburton earned an Olympic gold medal as a member of the 2024 U.S. men’s basketball team, despite limited playing time during the Paris Games. This season, he posted averages of 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting efficiently over 73 contests.
Broader Significance of the Injury for the Pacers
Haliburton’s injury is a serious blow to Indiana’s championship aspirations but does not diminish his contributions to the franchise’s progress. The team’s ability to compete at this level highlighted his growth and leadership as the Pacers’ cornerstone player. Going forward, Haliburton’s recovery will be critical not only for his career but for Indiana’s future success. Drawing from past examples like Durant’s, there is cautious optimism about his potential to return to top form.