After an electrifying start to Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 22, disaster struck for the Indiana Pacers. Tyrese Haliburton, their star point guard, attempted a drive late in the first quarter but immediately collapsed in agony, clutching his right lower leg.
He pounded the court in pain and was unable to bear weight – an agonizing sight that silenced a packed arena and stunned viewers worldwide during one of basketball’s most crucial games.
League and team medical staff promptly ruled Haliburton out for the rest of the contest, but the severity of the injury remained uncertain until his father, John Haliburton, confirmed to ESPN’s Lisa Salters that it involved the Achilles tendon.
Joy turned to heartbreak in a matter of seconds. Haliburton’s family gathered in the locker room, with John noting, “Tyrese is doing as well as he can be under the circumstances” while supporting their son during the immediate aftermath.
A season of Achilles injuries
Haliburton’s injury is part of a disturbing trend this postseason. Earlier in the playoffs, Damian Lillard of the Bucks and Jayson Tatum of the Celtics both suffered Achilles tears, effectively ending their seasons.
Now Haliburton’s injury adds to an unfortunate list that includes several high-profile stars sidelined by similar fates. His fall deviated into the storyline of an epidemic of athletic Achilles ruptures – raising questions about the rigors of playoff intensity and whether overuse or exhaustion played a role.
In Haliburton’s case, his insistence on playing through a calf strain, treated aggressively with hyperbaric chambers and constant therapy, may have contributed to overcompensation – an Achilles injury waiting to happen.
Despite the emotional blow, Indiana continued playing hard. Teammates, friends, and fans sent immediate support. FIBA, Jalen Brunson, LeBron James, and others took to social media to wish him well, while Pacers teammate Myles Turner – who was on the court as Haliburton exited – remarked, “It’s unfortunate … but we’ve got his back.”
Yet late in the game, the Oklahoma City Thunder capitalized, gradually taking control and clinching the championship with an 103-91 victory.
A long road ahead
The Achilles tendon is notoriously difficult to heal, and reports suggest Haliburton will miss at least nine months – effectively ruling him out for the start of the 2025-26 season. The recovery will involve surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and rehabilitation – a grueling path laid out before him. But he has the resilience to match.
A two-time NBA All-Star and All-NBA player, Haliburton is widely recognized for his basketball IQ and leadership. His ability to rebound-literally and figuratively – from this setback will define his career trajectory moving forward.
As the NBA continues to examine whether playoff wear and tear is being pushed too far, Haliburton’s case could become a cautionary tale: the drive to compete must be balanced with long-term health.
For now, Haliburton, his family, and the Pacers are entering a healing period. The finals are over, but the real work is only beginning – for recovery, reflection, and ultimately, return.
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