The Indiana Pacers lost the NBA Finals on Sunday, with the team bowing to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a heartbreaking Game 7, 103-91.
However, the biggest storyline of the game was Tyrese Haliburton's injury. The All-Star guard played just seven minutes in the contest before being ruled out due to an Achilles injury.
Haliburton suffered the injury with 4:55 remaining in the first quarter. Slow-motion video showed something snapping in the playmaker's right leg, causing him to fall to the floor and wince in pain.
Without Haliburton, who scored nine points before his exit, the Pacers eventually fell behind the Thunder and lost.
Naturally, the Pacers were emotional following the game, with guard T.J. McConnell even spotted crying and hugging team legend Reggie Miller.
Haliburton, for his part, made sure to be with his teammates even in defeat. As the Pacers headed to the locker room, the 25-year-old guard was seen on crutches while waiting for the Indiana players and staffers.
After seeing the video of Haliburton, fans couldn't help but get sad over what happened. Many also wondered if the results would have been different had he not been injured.
"I hate it for bro fr man. That’s devastating but God not gone put nun in front of you that you can’t handle," a commenter wrote. Another one said, "Pacers literally win this game if he doesnt get hurt. Had 9 pts on 3 30+ foot BOMBS. His moment got taken from him."
A fan remarked, "it wasn’t supposed to end this way."
"I feel so bad for him," a supporter shared.
A fifth follower posted, "Poor guys fr, such a sad way to loose a game 7."
"Sad for Hali man, you could tell he wanted to win that game bad. Respect to him and the pacers for a great playoff run," a social media user shared.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0)
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton.
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
The severity of Tyrese Haliburton's injury has yet to be determined, but considering it's an Achilles injury, he's facing a long road to recovery.