OKLAHOMA CITY — In a game where the stakes could not have been higher, the Indiana Pacers witnessed a devastating moment as their star guard, Tyrese Haliburton, had to leave the decisive Game 7 of the NBA Finals with a serious lower leg injury.
Haliburton, who had been playing through a calf strain with full knowledge of the risks, was determined to be on the court for the series finale. “I have to understand the risks, ask the right questions,” Haliburton stated prior to Game 6. “I’m a competitor; I want to play. I’m going to do everything in my power to play. That’s just what it is.”
During the first quarter, Haliburton attempted to drive past Alex Caruso but collapsed on the court, writhing in pain after planting his foot. The scene turned the roaring Paycom Arena eerily silent as teammates gathered around their fallen leader. Draped in a towel for privacy and support, Haliburton was assisted off the court and into the locker room.
Fans and players alike had their worst fears confirmed when Haliburton’s father revealed in an interview with Lisa Salters on ABC broadcast that the injury was indeed a torn Achilles. This fateful turn of events struck a haunting similarity to Kevin Durant's injury in the 2019 Finals under similar circumstances.
At the time of Haliburton’s departure, the game was evenly poised at 16-16. Haliburton, playing fearlessly as ever, had already scored nine points from beyond the arc as he capitalized on the Thunder’s defensive setup. His unyielding spirit, even in the face of risk, made the injury all the more heartbreaking.
Haliburton’s absence was profoundly felt on the court and in the hearts of the Pacers' community, a stark reminder of the thin line between triumph and tragedy in sports.
