Tyrese Haliburton could only watch as his Indiana Pacers fell one game short of winning the 2025 NBA Finals.
Haliburton left Sunday’s Game 7 early after suffering an Achilles injury in the first quarter at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. The Pacers star needed assistance as he hobbled to the locker room, unable to put any pressure on his right leg.
The Pacers battled without their lead guard. Indiana even held a 48-47 lead at the half despite Haliburton playing only the first seven minutes of action. But the Thunder defense proved too much as OKC ran away with a 103-91 victory to win the title.
Haliburton, unable to stand on his own power, was on crutches as he greeted his defeated teammates in the tunnel.
Tyrese Haliburton on crutches was the first person to greet every Pacers player in the tunnel
pic.twitter.com/naRmJqXcbT
— GoldBoys.com (@GoldBoysSupport) June 23, 2025
Haliburton looked like he was on his way to a monster Game 7 for the Pacers before his injury. He hit three of his first four three-point attempts, including a deep shot close to the Thunder logo.
Hali from the logo 😈
Tyrese Haliburton hits his third three of the first quarter. pic.twitter.com/ybFbo0I6M3
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 23, 2025
Haliburton faces a long road to recovery from what is believed to be a torn Achilles tendon. The injury often sidelines players for at least nine months, but rehab time could conceivably keep him out for the entirety of next season.
The Pacers were this season’s Cinderella team. Unfortunately for Haliburton, the clock struck midnight on Indiana in the final game of the season.