Rather than celebrating the Oklahoma City Thunder’s first-ever championship after they defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 Sunday night, much of the basketball world is reacting to Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton’s injury.
If Haliburton wasn’t already considered a superstar, his continuous clutch performances during the 2025 postseason certainly brought him to that level.
After injuring his calf in a Game 5 loss to the Thunder, Haliburton returned in Game 6 to help the Pacers to a 108-91 victory to force that decisive Game 7. Haliburton got off to a quick start Sunday in Game 7, hitting three 3-pointers in the first seven minutes before he hit the ground — without contact — with 4:55 remaining in the opening quarter.
Haliburton had to be helped off the court and did not return to the game.
Jay Williams Believes Achilles Injuries Are Connected to Pace
On Monday, June 23, it was revealed that Haliburton tore his Achilles, putting his 2025-26 season in doubt.
Haliburton is yet another in a growing list of NBA stars who went down with Achilles injuries this postseason. Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard tore his Achilles in the Bucks’ first-round series loss to Haliburton’s Pacers. In contrast, Boston Celtics’ star Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles in the Celtics’ Game 4 loss to the New York Knicks, a series the Knicks would go on to win in six games.
Former NBA guard Jay Williams, the second overall pick of the 2002 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, believes the league’s blistering pace is to blame for these injuries.
“8 torn Achilles this season,” Williams said. “Tyrese Haliburton is the latest. The NBA is playing at its fastest pace since the early ‘70s — 108.9 possessions per game. We’re chasing tempo, highlights, and algorithms … but at what cost? The product is faster. But the bodies are breaking — and no one’s pumping the brakes.”
8 torn Achilles this season. Tyrese Haliburton is the latest.
The NBA is playing at its fastest pace since the early ‘70s — 108.9 possessions per game.
We’re chasing tempo, highlights, and algorithms… but at what cost?
The product is faster. But the bodies are breaking — and…
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) June 23, 2025
Williams’ theory is interesting and could carry some weight, considering how many more Achilles injuries we are seeing recently.
Former NBA guard Victor Oladipo, who has had a lengthy injury history himself had similar thoughts.
“In the Finals? So we just going keep playing right? Like it’s okay right? Like it ain’t happen huh? Like this is just part of it, right?” Oladipo wrote.
“But what would this play off run be without Hali? What about [Lillard] what about [Tatum] and so many others. I bet we will just blame it on the moment though lol and Hey he got millions right so he will be alright huh? So what truly matters? The Athlete 🤔?. It’s all good though. I promise you im going to be a part of this change.
“It doesn’t have to be a norm or just part of the game anymore in any sport. We can and will protect the players better. Yall enjoy the rest of the game though. Rest up Hali bro this will make you stronger.”
Whether the league responds to the growing concern will be a major storyline of the 2025 offseason.
