Shocking Inside Scoop: Pacers Fear Tyrese Haliburton May Be Out Long‑Term After Serious Injury
INDIANAPOLIS, June 23, 2025 — A devastating blow for the Indiana Pacers and NBA fans everywhere: Tyrese Haliburton suffered a suspected torn Achilles tendon early in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, according to team insiders and multiple reports.
Details of the Incident
Haliburton exited the court in tears just five minutes into the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder, clutching his right lower leg. He was swiftly ruled out and helped off the court on crutches.
His father, John Haliburton, confirmed post-game to ABC that it was indeed an Achilles injury, though a formal MRI is still pending.
Immediate Repercussions
Indiana collapsed offensively after his departure, managing a measly 43 second-half points en route to a 103–91 loss, surrendering their shot at a first NBA title since 2000.
Haliburton had already been battling a right calf strain through Games 5 and 6, playing through the pain, making this latest injury seem almost inevitable.
Prognosis & NBA‑Wide Impact
Achilles tears typically require 9–12 months of recovery, with no guarantee of a full return to pre‑injury form—particularly impactful for a player whose game hinges on speed and agility.
CBS Sports described this as potentially “the most devastating injury in NBA history,” warning that even a best‑case timeline would see Haliburton miss the entire 2025–26 season.
Reactions from Inside & Beyond
Pacers center Myles Turner said:
“It’s a heartbreak, man” — reflecting the emotional toll on the team.
The personal moment intensified when Haliburton’s father was captured visibly shaken on the sideline, with emotional scenes highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Ramifications for the Pacers
The loss of their All‑Star floor general, who averaged 17.9 PPG and 9.1 APG in the playoffs, leaves a huge void.
Backup guards like T.J. McConnell and Andrew Nembhard are set to absorb high-minute roles, but neither offers Haliburton’s star-caliber playmaking or court vision.
Front office discussions are reportedly underway to explore trade or free‑agent options, signaling a possible mid-season shake-up.
Broader Implications
This isn't an isolated blow—this postseason alone has seen Achilles injuries to other stars like Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard, underscoring concerns over player durability in high-stakes games.
Haliburton’s injury also casts doubt on his availability for Team USA’s summer Olympic roster, where he was expected to feature prominently.
🔍 Why This Matters
This isn’t just a Pacers crisis—Haliburton’s injury alters the NBA’s competitive landscape. The Thunder secured their long-awaited championship thanks in part to Haliburton’s absence, and without him next season, Indiana could plummet in the Eastern Conference hierarchy. Teams across the league will be adjusting their off-season strategies, anticipating both the void he leaves and potential cap-space moves.