It was the moment every Pacers fan feared. During Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 22, Tyrese Haliburton – the rising star and heart of Indiana’s team – went down with a non-contact leg injury that stunned the arena. Here’s the latest on his recovery and what it all means moving forward.
The Injury Moment
In the first quarter, Haliburton – already managing a calf strain from Game 5 – made a sharp drive. Suddenly, he collapsed in pain. Cameras quickly cut to him pounding the court in frustration. He couldn’t put any weight on his right leg and, with help, was escorted to the locker room.
His father later confirmed it appears to be an Achilles tendon injury. This echoed the disconnect seen with players like Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard in this same playoff run.
Confirmed: Achilles Injury
Multiple outlets now believe Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles. His dad told reporters the nature of the injury is serious. CBS Sports said it’s “feared” to be torn, and AP News confirms initial MRI assessments support the diagnosis.
That popping sound on court wasn’t just in his mind—it was real, and now ESPN, AP, and others are all reporting the same .
Haliburton’s Heart & Team Spirit
What makes this even more emotional: Tyrese didn’t sulk. Instead, after being helped off and exiting the game, he was seen outside the locker room on crutches, wearing a walking boot and comforting teammates as they left the court.
Pacers center Myles Turner captured the mood perfectly: “It’s a heartbreak, man,” he said. And teammate TJ McConnell added: “That’s who Tyrese Haliburton is… He put his ego aside and was up greeting us”.
Why Achilles Tears Are So Serious
An Achilles injury is no joke. A full tear usually requires surgery, followed by 9–12 months of rehab. With similar injuries already impacting top players like Lillard and Tatum this postseason, there’s real concern about Haliburton’s availability for all of next season.
In past cases, even the most elite athletes have lost a full year. The rehab process is lengthy, focusing on regaining flexibility, strength, and explosiveness—all essential for a point guard who thrives on speed and agility.
Game 7 Without Haliburton
After his exit at 4:55 of the first quarter, the tone of Game 7 shifted. The Pacers had been up 48‑47 at halftime, but without their point guard, they scored just 43 points the rest of the game and lost 103‑91.
The Thunder—led by Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander—pulled away for the win, clinching OKC’s first championship since relocating from Seattle.
What’s Next for Haliburton?
Indiana’s immediate focus will be on confirming the full extent of the injury. We expect MRI results soon, followed by a medical plan. If surgery is needed, the timeline tilts toward next season’s late stretch or even the full 2025‑26 season .
What’s clear: Tyrese’s character is shining. Despite the pain, he remained positive—his father noted he was “in good spirits”.
The Road to Recovery
Here’s what comes next:
- MRI & Diagnosis
Medical imaging will confirm if the Achilles is torn. - Surgery & Initial Healing
If torn, surgery usually follows within a few days. Then comes immobilization. - Rehab & Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation often takes 9–12 months, focusing on gradual return to movement, then strength, then explosiveness. - Return to Basketball
Expect a cautious plan—initial workouts, then practice reps, then gameplay.
Given his mindset, this will be tough—but Tyrese’s resilience already shows he isn’t walking away.
Final Thoughts
This is heartbreaking not just because of the timing—Game 7 of the Finals—but because of who Tyrese Haliburton is: a leader, a loyal teammate, and a fighter. The Tyrese Haliburton injury has cast a shadow, but his spirit remains bright.
He’s shown grit throughout this playoffs, playing through a calf strain since Game 5, then bringing heart in Game 6, and finally sacrificing his own moments to support teammates even as he hurt.
Now, the focus turns to recovery. Surgery may follow, but another focus remains: mental recovery. Tyrese needs time to heal both body and confidence—the Achilles can be fragile once healed, and regaining trust in it takes time.
