In a split second, the Indiana Pacers’ worst nightmare became a reality. Going into only the 20th Game 7 in NBA history, Indiana had more than a puncher’s chance to bring home the first title in franchise history. Through the first seven minutes of the game, a competitive back-and-forth saw the two sides tie it up at 16.
That’s when their star player, Tyrese Haliburton, tried to drive against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and his leg gave out. As he fell to the floor, the Oklahoma City Thunder capitalized on a fast break dunk. But Indy had lost far more than two points on that possession.
What Is Tyrese Haliburton’s Injury?
An injury that has been bothering him since Game 4 of the NBA Finals came back to bite Haliburton, brutally. If you remember, there were real debates about his chances of even suiting up for Game 6, with a right calf strain potentially keeping him out.
At the time, ESPN insider Shams Charania reported, “Doctors told Haliburton Wednesday night that this is a two-week injury. If this were the regular season, he would not be playing tonight [Game 6].”
Thankfully, the superstar point guard was able to gut it out and deliver the Pacers a victory to push the series to seven. However, it didn’t take long for his tryst with destiny to go the other way.
Immediately after he fell, fans caught sight of Haliburton lying on the floor and pounding his hands on the hardwood as teams came unbridled to his eyes. It was clear that the two-time All-Star was shouting, “No! No!”
Tyrese Haliburton had to be carried off the court after suffering an injury.
He had tears in his eyes as he was consoled by the Pacers’ medical staff and was quickly surrounded by his teammates.
🎥 @ESPN pic.twitter.com/JAFfG16GgY
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 23, 2025
As the game went to commercial, Indiana players surrounded their star and hero of these playoffs. Soon after, he had to be escorted off the court with veteran James Johnson helping him hop into the locker room.
The Athletic immediately took to X to write, “Tyrese Haliburton had to be carried off the court after suffering an injury. He had tears in his eyes as he was consoled by the Pacers’ medical staff and was quickly surrounded by his teammates.”
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Soon after, we got the official report from the most heartbreaking source imaginable. John Haliburton, who has been a polarizing figure in the NBA fanbase, with his antics as a superstar’s father, spoke to Lisa Salters of ESPN about the nature of the injury.
She reported, “Mr. Halibburton has confirmed that it is an Achilles injury. He said that Tyrese is doing as well as he can be, under the circumstances.”
Tyrese Haliburton’s dad, John, tells @saltersl that his son has an Achilles injury and is watching the game from the locker room in good spirits. pic.twitter.com/hmP206jamK
— ESPN (@espn) June 23, 2025
For fans, the easiest and quickest comparison to draw is Kevin Durant in the 2019 NBA Finals. Facing a severe injury to his leg, Durant was out since the second round of the playoffs, before trying to push through against the Toronto Raptors.
However, he barely lasted a quarter. Two minutes into the second period, Durant fell in eerily similar fashion, with the final diagnosis a torn Achilles tendon, leading to the two-time NBA Champion missing the entirety of the 2019 season with the Brooklyn Nets.
