Indiana Pacers Star Tyrese Haliburton Suffers Ruptured Achilles Game 7 NBA Finals Oklahoma City

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton suffered a devastating Achilles injury during the first quarter of Game 7 in the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, forcing him out for the remainder of the game and possibly the entire 2025-26 season. Haliburton, who had been managing a right calf strain since Game 5, was playing a pivotal role as the Pacers' offensive leader and was a strong contender for the NBA Finals MVP. The injury, captured in chilling slow-motion footage showing his calf 'rippling,' elicited an outpouring of support and prayers from NBA peers including LeBron James, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Patrick Mahomes. His absence dramatically altered the course of the Finals, with the Pacers losing a key playmaker who had been logging heavy minutes throughout the playoffs. The injury also impacts the Pacers' outlook for the upcoming season, especially as other contenders face their own roster challenges. The emotional toll was evident both on the court and among fans and family, underscoring the significance of Haliburton's loss to the team and the league.