Haliburton’s injury throws a shadow over the Pacers’ future after their loss in the NBA Finals

Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers’ key player, had an injury that might potentially cost the team their championship window, and the team lost the game in the NBA Finals’ seventh and final game.

Due to a lower leg injury that left him slamming his right hand on the court late in the first quarter, Haliburton abruptly collapsed to the floor in agony after making three three-pointers in Sunday’s game against Oklahoma City.

Haliburton’s father revealed during a game broadcast that Haliburton had an Achilles tendon injury, which might keep the team’s star player out for the entirety or most of the 2025–26 season. The Pacers have not yet confirmed the extent of the injury.

“We were all devastated by Tyrese’s situation,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle remarked.

But he’ll return. I don’t have any medical knowledge on what might have happened, but I think he’ll fully heal and get back to normal.

When Indiana acquired Haliburton in 2022, they had a core group that comprised players like Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam and were positioned for a three-year window.

As the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, the Pacers made it to the penultimate round of the NBA playoffs last year and, this year, as the fourth seed, had another successful postseason run while vying for their first NBA championship.

With a string of clutch baskets and heroics in the closing minutes of games, the 25-year-old Haliburton was instrumental in the 2025 playoffs, helping the Pacers advance to their first NBA Finals since 2000.

INDUCED ROAD

Now, though, the team faces an uncertain future because it will be hard to replace a player like Haliburton, the franchise’s most valued player and two-time NBA All-Star.

“He did some incredible things, like this whole playoff run and this year, and yeah, like I’m just super proud of him,” stated Siakam.

“I wanted it so much for him because I know that he gave us everything, you know, everything he had, and it hurts because we couldn’t finish it. The fact that he was unable to complete the task with us simply aches.

But I’m simply so proud of him and all that he’s achieved. There’s more, you know, I know. There will be more.

Despite the loss, Haliburton, the Pacers’ engine, was there to welcome his teammates as they left the court after their 103-91 defeat. He was wearing a special boot and was on crutches.

Guard T.J. McConnell of the Pacers stated, “It doesn’t surprise me at all.” His character is that of a teammate. He always set aside his pride. Something like that may have left him feeling sorry for himself in the locker room, but he didn’t.

He was up there comforting those of us who were grieving over the loss. Tyrese Haliburton is that person. He’s simply the best, dude.