**Pacers Star Tyrese Haliburton Suffers Achilles Injury in NBA Finals**
Tyrese Haliburton, the standout guard for the Indiana Pacers, reportedly sustained a serious Achilles injury during the team’s NBA Finals Game 7 defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. According to ESPN, Haliburton tore his Achilles tendon after slipping in the first quarter, which is expected to sideline him for the entire 2025-26 season. This injury marks the third significant Achilles tear in the playoffs, following similar injuries to Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum and Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard.
Following Haliburton’s exit from the game, the Pacers confirmed he would not return due to a lower right-leg injury. His father, John Haliburton, later informed ESPN’s Lisa Salters that the injury was indeed to the Achilles tendon. Despite the setback, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle expressed optimism about Haliburton’s recovery, stating, “He will be back. I don’t have any medical information about what’s what, what may or may not have happened. But he’ll be back in time, and I believe he’ll make a full recovery.”
Haliburton had started strong in the game, scoring nine points with three 3-pointers before the injury occurred while he attempted to drive past NBA Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His frustration was evident as he pounded his fist on the floor, fully aware of the injury’s severity. Prior to this game, he was also managing a calf injury.
Throughout the playoffs, Haliburton emerged as a key player for the Pacers, showcasing his clutch shooting ability. Teammate T.J. McConnell praised him, saying, “A lot of us were hurting from the loss, and he was up there consoling us. That’s who Tyrese Haliburton is. He’s just the greatest.”
As the Pacers look ahead, they face important offseason decisions regarding their roster and potential championship aspirations for the 2025-26 season.
**FAQ**
*What is the expected recovery time for Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury?*
Tyrese Haliburton is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season due to his Achilles injury, but there is optimism about his full recovery.
