The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers to win the 2025 championship, but it took them seven games to do it. The Pacers battled injuries throughout the postseason but still managed to go toe-to-toe against one of the best teams of all time.
Tyrese Haliburton was one of Indiana’s standout players, averaging 17.3 points and 8.6 assists in 23 games during the playoffs. Those numbers could have been even better if it wasn’t for his heartbreaking Achilles tear in Game 7.
How Did Tyrese Haliburton’s Injury Change the Finals?
The point guard attempted to drive to the rim past Chet Holmgren in the first quarter when he tore his Achilles tendon. Haliburton had nine points, all on 3-pointers, when he got hurt with 4:55 left in the quarter. That one moment instantly hurt the Pacers’ hopes of winning their first championship since the franchise joined the NBA in 1976.
Tyrese Haliburton went down with an injury in Game 7. pic.twitter.com/AZ1uk65dFg
— ESPN (@espn) June 23, 2025
Haliburton had already been playing through a strained right calf he suffered in Game 5. He received extensive treatment and played 23 minutes in Game 6, helping Indiana force a decisive Game 7. The two-time All-Star knew the risk but refused to sit out the biggest game in franchise history.
The injury placed Indiana in a tough spot, since it will be difficult to build around the guard for at least another year. Kevin Pritchard, the president of the franchise’s basketball operations, confirmed Monday that Haliburton will miss the entire 2025-26 season.
#Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard confirmed Tyrese Haliburton is out for the 2025-26 season.
“I have no doubt that he will be back better than ever… He will not play next year though. We would not jeopardize that now.” pic.twitter.com/OiSy327pgw
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) July 7, 2025
“I have no doubt that he will be back better than ever… He will not play next year though. We would not jeopardize that now. Don’t get any hopes up that he will play,” he said during a recent media appearance.
What Does Myles Turner’s Departure Mean for Indiana?
The news hurts Indiana’s hopes once again, as the city is still reeling from Myles Turner’s exit. The Milwaukee Bucks made a stunning move to waive Damian Lillard and sign Turner away from the Pacers during free agency. Turner agreed to a four-year, $107 million deal with Milwaukee on July 1, leaving Indiana after 10 seasons with the franchise.
Turner averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game in the 2024-25 season. He was the longest-tenured player on the roster and set a team record with 46 blocks during the Pacers’ playoff run. The 29-year-old center is one of just three players in NBA history with 700 3-pointers and 1,400 blocks, joining Brook Lopez and Rasheed Wallace.
Pritchard also spoke about Haliburton’s replacements. “We’ll have some guys, and hopefully they’ll have some opportunities to grow, when he gets back, that will be a cherry on top,” he said.
The Pacers do have a replacement in T.J. McConnell, who was one of the best players for the team during the postseason. He is a point guard who can fill in for Haliburton, although the injured 25-year-old star brings unique skills to the position. McConnell averaged 9.1 points and 4.4 assists per game in the 2024-25 regular season.
Indiana also drafted Kam Jones, another point guard with potential to develop. Haliburton’s absence will provide minutes for the backup players and give them the opportunity to excel on a team that just made a historic NBA Finals run. The Pacers reached their first Finals since 2000 and their first since joining the NBA from the ABA in 1976.
