Tyrese Haliburton, the team’s emotional pillar and explosive point guard, sustained a devastating injury in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, shattering the hearts of Indiana Pacers supporters everywhere. Early in the first quarter, with the series on the line, Haliburton lost his right leg in excruciating fashion and slumped mid-drive. It soon became evident that Haliburton had sustained a torn Achilles, which would likely keep him out of action for the whole 2025–26 season. This was initially thought to be a calf tweak. 

The Moment That Moved the Game—and His Life

The game that would decide the outcome was less than five minutes in. By making three long-range threes, Haliburton had already demonstrated his clutch sense and energized Indiana’s 3–2 series lead. In a moment, he dropped his right foot, grunted sharply, and collapsed to the ground, sobbing. In a display of group distress, the Pacers gathered around him. John, his father, who was seen in the stands pleading and in disbelief, later verified that Haliburton had suffered a ruptured Achilles.

Immediate Fallout: A Team in Turmoil

Despite being without their floor general, Indiana put up a fierce fight and managed to claw their way to a 48–47 halftime lead. However, without Haliburton’s leadership and offensive spark, the momentum stalled by the third quarter. The Oklahoma City Thunder, whose early domination and unrelenting second-half play won their first NBA title in team history, defeated the Pacers 103-91 after the Pacers were clearly struck emotionally and physically.

In addition to losing talent, Haliburton’s absence caused the gym to become empty. “It sucked the soul out of us,” as teammate Myles Turner so eloquently put it.

Reactions & Respect Flood In

The basketball world responded in unison:

• LeBron James: “F—!!!!!!!!”
  
• Patrick Mahomes: “Prayers up man.”
  
• Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, Karl-Anthony Towns, and others joined the chorus of support on social media.
  

Veteran voices recognized the cruel pattern of postseason injuries:

“Looks like #Tatum, #Lillard, and now #Haliburton all suffer ruptured Achilles’ this postseason.” 

It’s a reminder of what’s at stake—even as emotions topped out, admiration poured in, celebrating both the athlete and the person.

The Road to Recovery & What It Means for 2025–26

Surgery and intensive rehabilitation are necessary for a torn Achilles, with recovery usually taking nine to twelve months. That probably implies a lost season for Haliburton.

Indianapolis, a team that has never made it to the NBA Finals and appeared to be on the verge of something great, has suffered a serious setback. His leadership and energy during the run, especially his Game 6 grit, however, leave a platform to build upon even in the face of tragedy.

The Pacers’ Next Chapter Without Their Heart

Without Haliburton’s vision and playmaking, Indiana must decide:

Who takes the initiative? Although role players like Obi Toppin and TJ McConnell have shown promise, can they be able to replace Tyrese for the entire season?

Off-season actions: To offset the loss, would the Pacers make significant purchases or tap into the talent pool, or will they remain steadfast and rely on internal growth?

Reboot or Rebuild: Now that their second straight Conference Finals are in the past, they have to choose between reloading around their wounded star or changing course.

Tragedy with a Silver Lining

One of the most tragic events in recent NBA history was Tyrese Haliburton’s injury sustained during Game 7; an emerging star was taken away at the height of a fantastic season. Nevertheless, that tragedy inspires respect for his bravery, tenacity, and optimism for his future after treatment.

As supporters and teammates offer up prayers, the Pacers must deal with a new reality: a season without Haliburton, but one that offers an opportunity to strengthen their resolve and character.

One thing endures despite suffering, loss, and heartache: he will rise again. The NBA community will be watching when he does.