It was confirmed Monday that Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has suffered a torn right Achilles tendon, (per ESPN). Haliburton exited Game 7 of the NBA Finals early in the first quarter after suffering the injury; and the Pacers ultimately lost the series to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Haliburton initially suffered a right calf strain in Game 5 on Monday and was questionable for Game 7; he went on to start the deciding game of the NBA Finals strong in the first quarter, until seven minutes in when he sustained the injury. Haliburton was seen pounding his fist into the floor, yelling and crying due to the severity of the injury.
Haliburton became the third All-Star to tear his Achilles in these playoffs — Bucks star Damian Lillard did so in the first round, and Jayson Tatum of the Celtics suffered the injury in the second round. Both Lillard and Tatum will miss most or all of the 2025-26 season; and per sources, Haliburton is also expected to miss most (or all) of next season as well, though the team has not provided an official timeline.
Haliburton is a two-time All-Star and All-NBA selection. He was averaging 17.7 points and 9.0 assists per game in the playoffs entering Sunday’s season finale.
Editorial credit: CESM I Studio / Shutterstock.com
