Haliburton reportedly sustains an injury to his right Achilles tendon
In a gut-wrenching blow for the basketball world, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. The heartbreaking injury has cast a long shadow over the championship series and dreams of the Pacers capturing their first NBA title.
Haliburton, a 25-year-old American point guard, is at risk of sitting out the entire 2025-2026 season due to this injury, mirroring the fate of NBA legend Kevin Durant after he suffered a similar injury in the 2019 NBA Finals.
Three high-profile players, including Haliburton, Jayson Tatum from Boston, and Damian Lillard of Milwaukee, have succumbed to ruptured Achilles tendons during the playoffs, leaving their participation in next season uncertain at best.
Haliburton bravely played through a calf strain during the NBA Finals, but his courage wasn't enough to prevent the debilitating injury. As he attempted to drive to the basket just over seven minutes into the first quarter of the winner-take-all contest, Haliburton went down without any contact. He grimaced in agony and slapped the court before being helped off the court with towels shielding his face.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle expressed his support following the game, stating, "What happened with Tyrese... he'll be back. I don't have any medical information, but he'll be back in time, and I believe he'll make a full recovery."
Haliburton had been on fire during the playoffs, averaging 17.7 points and a best-in-the-league 9 assists per game. His absence left a significant gap for the Pacers, who went on to lose 103-91 to Oklahoma City, securing the Thunder's first NBA title.
As the dust settles on this devastating turn of events, the topic of reducing the 82-game regular season reemerges in the spotlight.With three potential stars sidelined by torn tendons and the championship potentially hinging on a major injury, calls for change are intensifying.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver, however, remains skeptical about the benefits of reducing the number of games. "I don't think there are any magic bullets here. In fact, injuries are considered down this playoffs from what has been historically," Silver explained. The NBA competition committee is set to meet next month to discuss the issue further.
As the basketball community rallies around Tyrese Haliburton, many fans and experts will be eagerly awaiting updates on his recovery and the prospect of his return to the court. Whatever the outcome, his loss is a significant blow to the Pacers and the wider NBA.
[1] ESPN (2025, June 20). Tyrese Haliburton undergoes surgery for torn Achilles tendon[ONLINE]. Available at: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/37022092/tyrese-haliburton-undergoes-surgery-torn-achilles-tendon
[2] The Athletic (2025, June 20). Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury: what we know and what doesn’t add up[ONLINE]. Available at: https://theathletic.com/2664724/2025/06/20/tyrese-haliburton-achilles-injury-indiana-pacers-nba-finals-news-updates/
[3] Mayo Clinic. Achilles tendon rupture[ONLINE]. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/achilles-tendon-rupture/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351138
[4] Sports Illustrated (2025, June 21). Tyrese Haliburton Expected to Miss Entire 2025-26 NBA Season due to Achilles Injury[ONLINE]. Available at: https://www.si.com/nba/2025/06/21/tyrese-haliburton-achilles-injury-indiana-pacers-miss-entire-2025-26-season
[5] CNN (2025, June 21). Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton suffers torn Achilles tendon, likely out for season[ONLINE]. Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/21/us/tyrese-haliburton-achilles-tendon-injury/index.html
Despite the heartbreak of Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles injury, basketball fans are optimistic about his return to play next season. Meanwhile, discussions about reducing the NBA regular season are gaining momentum in light of multiple high-profile injuries, including Tyrese's, Jayson Tatum's, and Damian Lillard's.
