Tyrese Haliburton Suffers Possible Achilles Injury in Game 7 of NBA Finals, Says Father
In a devastating blow for the Indiana Pacers — and possibly for Team USA’s future — Tyrese Haliburton exited Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night with what may be a serious Achilles injury, according to his father.
The injury happened with 4:55 left in the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Haliburton, already playing through a strained right calf, collapsed to the court while driving toward the basket. His right leg appeared to give out underneath him. Replays showed what looked like something popping in the back of his leg — a sight no athlete or fan ever wants to see.
“It’s a heartbreak, man,” said Pacers center Myles Turner during an in-game interview. “It’s unfortunate… but we’ve got his back.”
Father: “It’s the Achilles”
On the ABC broadcast, John Haliburton, Tyrese’s father, told sideline reporter Lisa Salters that the injury is to the Achilles tendon — though an MRI will still be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Haliburton was immediately ruled out for the rest of the game with what the Pacers described as a “lower right leg injury.”
Surrounded by teammates, coaches, and medical staff, the 24-year-old was helped off the floor without putting any weight on his leg. He was later seen in the locker room, his face covered in towels, watching the remainder of the game with his family.
“He’s doing as well as he can be under the circumstances,” Salters relayed on air.
Haliburton Was Battling Injury All Series
The injury comes after a week-long battle with leg issues. Haliburton first strained his right calf earlier in the Finals, with the issue flaring up again in Game 5. He underwent near round-the-clock treatments in hopes of staying on the floor — including hyperbaric chamber therapy, acupuncture, electronic stimulation, massage, special tape, and a wrap.
Despite the pain, Haliburton suited up and played a solid Game 6. In Game 7, he hit three deep three-pointers early, giving Indiana momentum — before the injury cut his night, and possibly his postseason, short.
“I want to play. I’m going to do everything in my power to play. That’s just what it is,” he said before Game 6. “But I also have to be smart. Have to understand the risks.”
A Brutal Playoffs for Injuries
Haliburton’s potential Achilles tear is the latest in a string of major injuries that have defined this year’s playoffs:
- Jayson Tatum of the Celtics suffered a torn Achilles earlier in the Finals.
- Damian Lillard tore his Achilles in Milwaukee’s first-round loss to Indiana.
- Stephen Curry missed the Warriors’ second-round exit due to a hamstring injury.
- LeBron James, had the Lakers advanced past the first round, was unlikely to play due to a knee sprain.
Even LeBron couldn’t hide his reaction to Haliburton’s injury, posting a one-word expletive on social media — a visceral response shared by fans and players league-wide.
What’s Next?
If Haliburton’s Achilles is indeed torn, he’ll be facing months of recovery and possibly miss the 2025–26 NBA season, just like Lillard and Tatum. It’s a crushing turn for a player who has quickly become a franchise cornerstone and rising international star — and who played a key role in Team USA’s gold medal run at the Paris Olympics last summer.
At a Glance: Tyrese Haliburton Injury
- Injury: Suspected right Achilles tendon tear (pending MRI)
- When: Game 7 of NBA Finals vs. OKC, 1st Quarter (4:55 mark)
- Status: Ruled out for remainder of game
- Background: Played through right calf strain; extensive treatment throughout series
- Possible Impact: Could miss part or all of 2025–26 NBA season
Source: AP News – Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton suffers right leg injury in NBA Finals. His father says it’s an Achilles
