Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder was beyond excited to be named an NBA champion on Sunday night, but he also had mixed feelings.
That is because his victory came just after Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers experienced a traumatic injury that took him off the court and put his future in jeopardy.
Following the game, the Finals MVP talked about Haliburton and what happened.
“My heart dropped for him. I couldn’t imagine playing the biggest game of my life and something like that happening. I just felt so bad for him. Prayers go out to him for sure. Hell of a player,” Gilgeous-Alexander said, via Hoop Central.
"My heart dropped for him. I couldn't imagine playing the biggest game of my life and something like that happening. I just felt so bad for him. Prayers go out to him for sure. Hell of a player.”
— Shai on Haliburton’s injury. ❤️✊
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)
pic.twitter.com/gTnVka2ndq
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 23, 2025
When Haliburton fell to the ground following his injury, Gilgeous-Alexander was one of the first people attempting to console him.
He placed his hand on Haliburton and asked if he was okay, while Pacers staff and players surrounded him and then helped him limp off the court.
Gilgeous-Alexander wanted to win, but he didn’t want to see anyone get hurt.
Even though they are competitors, Gilgeous-Alexander knows that Haliburton is one of the best players in the NBA, and he wants him to be healthy.
Unfortunately, it may be some time before these two face off against each other again.
If Haliburton has a torn Achilles, he will most certainly miss all of next season.
That means the Pacers and Thunder might not ever meet in the Finals again.
Gilgeous-Alexander is wishing him well, hoping for a speedy recovery and return to the game.
He is happy for his Thunder and their massive accomplishment, but his heart is also with the Pacers and their biggest star.
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