Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton potentially suffered an Achilles tear that could sideline him for the entire 2025-26 campaign.
The Indiana Pacers were only 48 minutes away from winning their first NBA title in franchise history. Unfortunately for them, Game 7 will be remembered as a nightmare.
Not only did they lose the championship to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but they also lost their star, Tyrese Haliburton, to a heartbreaking injury.
Seven minutes into the first quarter, Haliburton drove to the basket, fell, and began pounding the floor while clutching his face.
The Pacers' star was escorted to the locker room and did not return to the game. After the match, he was seen on crutches in the arena hallways, greeting his teammates.
Although MRI tests have yet to confirm the full extent of the injury to his right lower leg, Haliburton’s father confirmed that he suffered an Achilles tendon injury.
Before the injury, Haliburton had scored 9 points (3-of-4 from three-point range) and was poised to have one of his best games of the series.
Haliburton had previously been diagnosed with a calf strain after getting injured in Game 5 and was questionable for Game 6.
One of the most notable similar injuries in recent NBA Finals history occurred in 2019, when Kevin Durant dealt with a calf strain during the playoffs before suffering an Achilles tear in the Finals.
Credit Reuters – Scanpix
At this point, the MRI could unfortunately reveal the worst-case scenario for Haliburton’s injury.
Prior to the injury, Haliburton had an incredible playoff run, hitting four game-winning shots during this year’s playoffs and averaging 17.3 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.3 rebounds throughout the postseason.
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