The Indiana Pacers had a crushing end to their 2024-25 NBA season, as they lost Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday on the road versus the Oklahoma City Thunder.
But the pain kicked in before the final buzzer even sounded, as star point guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered what appeared to be a serious injury in the first quarter of the contest.
Already dealing with a less-than-100-percent right calf, Haliburton went down with a non-contact injury early before getting ruled out for the rest of the game.
Many felt for Haliburton and the Pacers after that moment. Haliburton was having a great start in Game 7 before suffering the injury, having scored nine points on the strength of three buckets from behind the arc.
Although the Pacers still had reliable backup guards to rely on in T.J. McConnell and Andrew Nembhard, Haliburton's departure was a big blow for Indiana.
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) is assisted after an apparent injury following a play against the City Thunder during the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) is assisted after an apparent injury following a play against the City Thunder during the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Three-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade knew it, as he reacted to Haliburton's injury via social media.
"I CAN'T STAND INJURIES! I FEEL FOR MY GUY @TYRESEHALIBURTON," the 13-time NBA All-Star shared.
wade
Via Dwyane Wade's official Instagram account
As implied by Wade, the 2025 playoffs had seen some serious injuries, including that of Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum and of Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard.
Haliburton's injury is feared to be a torn Achilles tendon, which would put him on a long rehabilitation course — an unfortunate scenario for the biggest reason why the Pacers went that far in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Nevertheless, the incredible postseason that Haliburton just had will not soon be forgotten, as it included clutch buckets and big game performances for the Pacers, who will have to wait for at least one more season to end their NBA title drought.