Tyrese Haliburton Suffers Torn Achilles Tendon in NBA Finals, Faces Entire 2025-26 Season on Sidelines.

Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers star point guard, suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in game seven of the NBA Finals, potentially missing the entire 2025-26 season. Haliburton had been playing despite a calf strain in hopes of bringing the Pacers their first NBA title. The injury is similar to one that cost Kevin Durant a full season in 2019. Haliburton will undergo surgery.

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, potentially sidelining him for the entire 2025-26 season. Haliburton had been playing through a calf strain in an effort to lead his team to their first NBA championship. The injury, similar to the one that cost Kevin Durant a full season in 2019, is a significant setback for the Pacers' playoff aspirations.

The injury occurred in the first quarter of the game, with Haliburton collapsing to the ground after attempting to drive with the ball. He was immediately distraught and needed assistance walking off the court. Haliburton's team rallied without him, but the Thunder ultimately won the game and the championship [1].

Haliburton's injury is a blow to the Pacers' hopes of winning their first NBA title. He was averaging 17.9 points, 9.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in the playoffs, and his absence will be keenly felt. The Pacers' coach, Rick Carlisle, acknowledged that Haliburton was not at full strength before the injury but did not anticipate him missing the next game [2].

The injury is reminiscent of Kevin Durant's torn Achilles tendon in the 2019 NBA Finals, which ended his season and left the Golden State Warriors without their star player. Haliburton's injury is a stark reminder of the severity of Achilles tendon injuries, which can have long-term consequences for athletes [3].

Haliburton will undergo surgery to repair the tear, and his recovery timeline is uncertain. The injury could potentially sideline him for the entire 2025-26 season, leaving the Pacers to rebuild their team without their key point guard. The injury is also a setback for the Eastern Conference, which had been counting on Haliburton's performance to challenge the dominance of the Western Conference.

The Pacers' season is now focused on recovery and rebuilding, with the team looking to fill the void left by Haliburton's injury. The team's future will depend on how quickly Haliburton recovers and whether he can return to his previous form. The injury is a stark reminder of the risks and uncertainties that come with high-level sports, and the Pacers will need to adapt and find a way to succeed without their star player.

References:
[1] https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/23/sport/tyrese-haliburton-torn-achilles-spt
[2] https://sports.inquirer.net/627677/nba-pacers-tyrese-haliburton-believed-to-have-right-calf-strain
[3] https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-stars-react-to-tyrese-haliburton-injury-draymond-green-makes-comparison-to-kevin-durants-achilles-tear/