Indiana Pacer star Tyrese Haliburton tore his right Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the NBA Finals, it has been confirmed.
Halliburton was left in tears and screaming in agony after hitting the court with when he tried to dribble past Thunder’s NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the first quarter. There appeared to be a pop in his lower right leg, sparking fears he suffered a major injury.
It was suspected that the 25-year-old had torn his Achilles, and ESPN’s insider Shams Charania confirmed the devastating diagnosis Monday afternoon.
The Pacers went on to suffer a 103-91 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder without their starman on the court.
The injury puts Haliburton’s 2025-26 campaign in jeopardy. With a timeline for recovery and return unclear, his status for next season now cast in doubt.
Haliburton suffered a calf injury in Game 5 but pushed through the injury in order to help drag his team to Game 7. He was only needed to play 26 minutes in Game 6 as his team dominated the Thunder to level up the series at 3-3.
Tyrese Haliburton was left screaming in agony after reinjuring his right calf early on in Game 7
Haliburton had a towel over his head to try and hide his emotions after being led off the court
He had started Game 7 promisingly, making three deep 3-pointers with 4:55 remaining in the opening quarter.
However, the seriousness of Sunday night’s injury was immediately evident. Haliburton collapsed instantly and was visibly in pain, slamming his hand on the floor as trainers rushed to help him.
Haliburton could put no weight on the leg as was taken to the Pacers’ locker room for evaluation. He was ruled out just moments later.
Virtually the entire Indiana playing, coaching and medical staff surrounded him on the court once he got hurt.
ABC showed footage of Haliburton being carried down the tunnel with a towel over his head as he tried to hide his emotions.
The cameras then cut to the stands where Haliburton’s dad, John, looked distraught as he watched his son suffering down below.
