Tyrese Haliburton can’t play basketball right now, but that hasn’t stopped him from being the Indiana Pacers’ biggest cheerleader. The All-Star guard tore his Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals and won’t see the court for the 2025-26 season. But Thursday night in Las Vegas, he celebrated with his teammates after they squeezed past Cleveland 116-115Â in their Summer League opener.
How Is Tyrese Haliburton Staying Connected While Sidelined?
Although sidelined for the 2025-26 campaign following a torn right Achilles tendon sustained in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Haliburton has remained an integral figure for the Pacers. The two-time All-Star guard, who underwent surgery on June 23 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, continues to support the franchise during Summer League action.
Following surgery, the Indiana star has remained involved, attending Summer League practices and games to motivate teammates and interact with fans. Haliburton, active on social media, celebrated Thursday’s narrow 116-115 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas.
“RayJ hoopin, Q hoopin, Enrique clutch free throws, my boy Furph got knocked out. Head Coach Yacob 1-0, we move,” Haliburton posted, praising standout efforts from RayJ Dennis, Quenton Jackson, and Enrique Freeman.
RayJ hoopin, Q hoopin, Enrique clutch free throws, my boy Furph got knocked out. Head Coach Yacob 1-0, we move #YesCers
— Tyrese Haliburton (@TyHaliburton22) July 10, 2025
The All-Star’s enthusiasm from the sidelines reflected the energy his teammates brought to the court in a game that lived up to Summer League expectations.
What Made Thursday’s Summer League Win So Exciting?
The back-and-forth battle came down to the final 10 seconds, with Indiana (1-0) pulling ahead of Cleveland (0-1) in a thrilling finish. The Cavaliers surged early, opening up a 35-25 lead in the first quarter. But Indiana stormed back in the third, outscoring Cleveland 34-23Â and setting up a fourth quarter full of lead changes.
With seven seconds remaining, Freeman calmly sank two free throws to give the Pacers the edge. Cleveland had a chance to win, but Jaylon Tyson’s final three-point attempt missed the mark.
Dennis powered Indiana with 26 points, nine assists, and four rebounds, while Jackson contributed 24 points off the bench, shooting 8-for-10 from the field. Freeman finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
Indiana shot a blistering 59.1% from the floor and connected on 40% of its three-point attempts. Cleveland also posted substantial numbers, shooting 54.4% overall and 38.2% from beyond the arc.
Meanwhile, Nae’Qwan Tomlin led all scorers with 30 points for the Cavaliers. Tyson registered a double-double with 20 points and 12 assists. Norchad Omier tallied 17 points and nine rebounds, while Tyrese Proctor chipped in 14 points and two assists.
What’s the Timeline for Haliburton’s Return?
As Haliburton recovers, the Pacers plan to be cautious. The organization isn’t taking any chances with their franchise player.
“He will not play next year, though. We would not jeopardize that now,” said Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard. “Don’t get any hopes up that he will play.”
Despite the injury, Haliburton wrote on Instagram, “And honestly, right now, torn Achilles and all, I don’t regret it. I’d do it again, and again after that, to fight for this city and my brothers. That just shows you what kind of kid he is.”
Haliburton’s presence off the floor is proving just as valuable as his production on it. His energy and leadership continue to fuel the Pacers organization, even from the sidelines.
