The 2025 NBA Finals delivered an incredible seven-game series that ended with the Oklahoma City Thunder defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91. However, what stole the spotlight in the final game was Tyrese Haliburton’s early injury, as he suffered a torn Achilles and will miss the entire upcoming season.
The player posted a heartfelt message after the injury was confirmed, expressing his frustration and sadness over what happened, which moved the sports world. Former NFL player and current host Pat McAfee shared a message of support for Haliburton, who now faces an extensive recovery process that could sideline him for the entire 2025-26 season.
Pat McAfee Shows Support to Tyrese Haliburton After Achilles Injury
There is nothing more frustrating for a team than losing a championship. But worse than that is the way the Pacers’ season ended, reaching Game 7 with a real chance to win the first title in franchise history, only to see one of their most important and clutch players go down with an injury in the first quarter.
An Achilles tear is the most feared injury in basketball and football, often carrying a heavy psychological burden due to its painful and slow recovery process. Players like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant managed to return successfully from the injury, but history shows that expectations must be managed throughout recovery. The injury typically requires 9-12 months of rehabilitation before players can return to competitive action.
On his X account, Haliburton posted a long message expressing everything he was feeling at that moment, clearly frustrated and upset with how his season ended, but also acknowledging that there are worse problems than a torn Achilles. McAfee, who has developed a friendship with Haliburton over the years, responded with support and encouragement during this difficult time.
WE LOVE YOU MAN pic.twitter.com/rcXwt9hXwU
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 24, 2025
The injury occurred with 4:55 remaining in the first quarter when Haliburton collapsed to the ground without contact while attempting to drive to the basket. ESPN later confirmed through Haliburton’s father that it was indeed an Achilles injury. The timing was particularly cruel, as Haliburton had scored nine points and made three 3-pointers in the opening minutes, appearing poised for a dominant performance.
In the NFL, recent cases of this injury have had mixed outcomes. Aaron Rodgers was one of the most impactful examples, suffering the injury in Week 1 of 2023 during his debut with the New York Jets and missing the rest of the season. His return in 2024 showed flashes of his former self, though the Jets struggled as a team throughout the campaign.
Dre Greenlaw presented another heartbreaking case that shocked the NFL, with similarities to Haliburton’s situation. The San Francisco 49ers linebacker tore his Achilles in the second quarter of Super Bowl LVIII while running onto the field, a non-contact injury that occurred during the biggest game of his career.
His absence significantly impacted the 49ers’ defense, and he missed nearly the entire 2024 season. Like Haliburton, Greenlaw had been playing at an elite level before the injury struck.
The ESPN host’s emotional reaction resonated throughout the sports world, as McAfee stopped being an analyst in that moment and became what every fan was feeling. As the Thunder celebrated their first championship in Oklahoma City, the basketball community rallied around Haliburton, understanding the magnitude of what he had lost.
No injury is ever desirable in sports, but some are more heartbreaking than others. Whenever a player tears their Achilles, the reaction is always one of deep concern. The expectation is that Haliburton will be able to return for the 2026-27 season if everything goes well with his recovery, though the rehabilitation process will be long and challenging.
At 25 years old, he has time on his side, but the injury represents a significant setback for both him and the Pacers organization.
