The NBA world remains in complete shock amid devastating news, as Shams Charania confirmed that Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in Sunday’s Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The injury, a non-contact calamity early in the decisive game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, is a crushing blow for Haliburton and the Pacers, who saw their championship dreams evaporate in the early minutes of the game.
Shams Charania’s Heartbreaking Report on Tyrese Haliburton
Charania confirmed Monday that Haliburton sustained a torn right Achilles tendon during Game 7 against Oklahoma City. Any Achilles injury leads to a lengthy absence, typically 10-12 months. Haliburton had been dealing with a calf strain in the same leg since Game 5 of the Finals. The injury occurred when Haliburton was driving to the basket in the first quarter, and his right leg appeared to give out.
“Sources tell me that Tyrese Haliburton sustained a torn right Achilles tendon in Game 7” @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/cqonsqSniy
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 23, 2025
Indeed, the risk of such an injury had been a looming concern for Haliburton. Charania had reported that if this were the regular season, Haliburton would be missing multiple weeks due to the calf strain.
Despite suffering a calf strain in Game 5 of the Finals, Haliburton insisted on playing through the injury, saying, “If I can walk, I want to play.” While the full extent of the prior strain and its connection to the rupture will be dissected, the unfortunate reality is that Haliburton, pushing the boundaries of his physical well-being, paid the ultimate price.
Haliburton’s playoff run leading up to this tragic moment was nothing short of spectacular. He averaged 17.3 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.3 rebounds across 23 playoff games, showcasing his remarkable talent and leadership.
His late-game heroics became a hallmark of the Pacers’ improbable journey, with four game-winning shots against formidable opponents like the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and even the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
There was even discussion among the mainstream media as to whether Haliburton had reached superstar status in the league. He consistently rose to the occasion, delivering electrifying performances that kept Indiana’s Cinderella story alive.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 to capture their first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City. This marked Oklahoma City’s first title in the 17 years since the franchise moved from Seattle, where they previously won as the SuperSonics in 1979. The injury marks the third Achilles tear of this postseason, following Damian Lillard of Milwaukee in the first round and Boston’s Jayson Tatum in the semifinals.
Now, a long road to recovery awaits the young All-Star. The league, fans, and his teammates will undoubtedly rally around Haliburton, hoping for a full and speedy return.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said after the game that the team’s “hearts dropped” when they saw Haliburton go down, adding, “He authored one of the great individual playoff runs in the history of the NBA, with dramatic play after dramatic play.”
But for today, the prevailing sentiment is heartbreak for a player who gave everything he had, and then some, in pursuit of an NBA championship.
