The highly anticipated Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder got off to a devastating start when Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton exited the game in the first quarter with a scary non-contact injury. Indiana quickly ruled Haliburton out for the rest of the game that will decide this season's NBA champion.
He was hurt when he tried to drive off his right foot and fell to the ground in an effort to drive past Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Once Haliburton went down, he pounded the hardwood in pain as the Pacers' training staff and his teammates gathered around before he was helped off the floor.
The NBA world was absolutely crushed at the gut-wrenching start to the final game of the season. An outpouring of love and support quickly spread on the internet from basketball personalities and fans. NBA players, including LeBron James, quickly reacted to the difficult scene too.
Here's what the stars around the league had to say immediately after Haliburton went down with an injury, which his father, John, confirmed was an Achilles injury via the ABC broadcast.
Prayers up man ππ½
β Jalen Brunson (@jalenbrunson1) June 23, 2025
These calf strains ainβt no joke man!! Praying for Ty ππΎππΎ
β Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) June 23, 2025
Ty ππ½ππ½ππ½
β Josh Hart (@joshhart) June 23, 2025
ππ½ππ½ππ½
Never wanna see thatπ
β Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) June 23, 2025
Haliππππ
β josh giddey (@joshgiddey) June 23, 2025
You never want to see that, prayers up ππ½
β Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) June 23, 2025
ππ½ππ½ up for Hali!!! Praying heβs alright π₯Ί
β Grant Williams (@Grant2Will) June 23, 2025
Such a horrible way for Haliburton's season and spectacular postseason to endβan ending nobody wanted to see.
More NBA Finals on Sports Illustrated