Many in the NBA world, from Tyrese Haliburton's dad to LeBron James, shared a similar reaction when the Indiana Pacers player left the court injured against Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the NBA Finals which took place Sunday, the 22nd of June, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma.
Haliburton ruptured his Achilles after only seven minutes of the final game in the NBA Finals, left the court for evaluation in the locker room, and was later seen using crutches while greeting Pacers players.
The Pacers went on to lose the NBA championship to the Thunder by a 103-91 scoreline, and Haliburton himself appeared devastated that he didn't get the chance to try and help his team stay competitive against the eventual champs.
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Tyrese Haliburton's Dad, John, & LeBron James Shared Same Reaction to The Injury
Many others both inside and outside the business appeared to feel the same, too
Tyrese Haliburton's injury and his dad's reaction
John Haliburton told ESPN live at the time about the extent of the injury his son had suffered. Commentator and analyst Lisa Salters said on-air: "[John] said that Tyrese is doing well as he can be under the circumstances."
There didn't even appear to be any contact for Haliburton to crumple to the floor in agony. He was then helped off the court, and, in the clip below, you can see his dad's reaction was one of anguish.
Four-time NBA champion appeared to have a similar reaction when posting an explicit comment on X, formerly Twitter.
The injury also got the attention of three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes.
"Prayers up, man."
Haliburton was seen later on crutches.
Pacers center Myles Turner told ESPN that it's "heartbreaking."
"It's unfortunate … but we've got his back."
Though the injury could curtail part of the 25-year-old's career, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle attempted to allay fears that Indiana fans may have. "What happened with Tyrese, just all of our hearts dropped.
"But he will be back," Carlisle finished.
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