Is Tyrese Haliburton’s Injury the End of the Pacers’ NBA Finals Hopes?

The shocking Achilles injury to Tyrese Haliburton, occurring only seven minutes into Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, dealt a devastating blow to NBA enthusiasts everywhere.

Witnessing Haliburton endure the same sequence of pain, shock, and sorrow previously experienced by Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum in these playoffs was akin to a recurring nightmare. The incident was a harsh blow, leaving a sense of numbness that intensified as fans, the Pacers, and especially Haliburton himself came to terms with the gravity of the situation.

The phrase “this is what dreams are made of” often emerges around big games, yet this situation truly embodied that sentiment. Every basketball enthusiast dreams of competing in a decisive Game 7 of the NBA Finals, feeling the immense pressure and seizing the moment to secure a championship. Haliburton appeared poised to realize this dream, shrugging off prior doubts and a poll that questioned his respect among peers. His early performance, highlighted by three consecutive three-pointers and a fierce scream at an eager Thunder crowd, signaled his readiness.

However, a single misstep changed everything. Haliburton collapsed, his hand slamming the court and pain etched across his face. The Pacers’ dynamic leader, who had been defying odds all postseason, faced a critical setback. Such injuries have profound effects, potentially altering the course of the championship.

These events cast long shadows over both the past and the future.

The Thunder, as NBA champions, deserve full recognition for their achievement. It’s crucial to avoid any talk of an “asterisk” suggesting that OKC was not a deserving winner. Yet, it’s undeniable that Haliburton’s injury profoundly changes the perception of these Finals.

Before the injury, this year’s Finals were shaping up to be among the most competitive of the century. The series showcased exceptional performances from both stars and role players, captivating global audiences. Except for two games, the series was tightly contested, with T.J. McConnell briefly becoming the world’s most popular basketball player.

This Finals had all the makings of a classic showdown, with two elite teams exchanging blows over nearly two weeks, culminating in what is often hailed as the pinnacle of sports excitement: Game 7. The anticipation was tangible, with fans speculating about who would emerge as the hero to lead their team to glory.

Unfortunately, no hero emerged in the conventional sense. Instead, the villain in this narrative was the tragic sight of Haliburton collapsing to the floor. This moment will overshadow future discussions of the series, not Haliburton’s Game 1 heroics, McConnell’s vibrant quarters, Jalen Williams’s outstanding performance, or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP moments. Instead, the focus will remain on the devastating injury at the worst possible time.

No words can fully capture the magnitude of this tragedy, affecting not just Pacers fans but all who admired Haliburton’s gameplay. He became the face of the 2024–25 Pacers, a team whose thrilling playoff run demanded undivided attention, proving that looking away might mean missing out on something historic. Instead of carrying this momentum into the offseason, a gloom hangs over everything, spurred by Haliburton’s injury—a gloom that shows no signs of lifting soon.

As disheartening as it is, the situation is even more dire for the Pacers, who find themselves grappling with the immediate repercussions of Haliburton’s misfortune.

Setting aside the morale crushing end to the season (star player suffers a severe injury in Game 7, resulting in a loss), the upcoming season looks bleak for Indiana. Haliburton sustained the worst possible injury diagnosis—a torn Achilles—which could sideline him for the entire 2025–26 season. This injury timeline is reminiscent of Kevin Durant’s in the 2019 Finals, which originally projected him out for all of the following season before plans were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Haliburton’s recovery could follow a similar path given the severity of his injury and his style of play.

How will Indiana capitalize on its most successful season in franchise history without its star point guard? The outlook is complex. On one hand, the Pacers are well-equipped to handle Haliburton’s absence due to their team-first mentality and Coach Rick Carlisle’s versatile offensive schemes, which thrive under a skilled point guard but can adapt without one. Defensively, the impact might not be as significant, given Haliburton’s offensive leanings.

However, without Haliburton, the Pacers are likely to find themselves among the middle ranks of the Eastern Conference rather than as serious contenders. The conference appeared wide open following injuries to Lillard and Tatum, the turmoil with the New York Knicks, and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ faltering season. In a different scenario, Indiana might have been poised not only to compete for the top seed but to be favored to win it and repeat as Eastern Conference champions—a status not seen at Gainbridge Fieldhouse since the days of Reggie Miller. What a missed opportunity this could turn out to be.

Now, the Pacers will likely compete with teams like the injury-riddled Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and others for a playoff spot. Could they alter their course by seeking a star to fill Haliburton’s shoes until his return? While theoretically possible, such a move would require immense confidence and a departure from the proven successful formula of deep roster talent. This would be a risky gamble, especially considering nearly every key rotation player is under 30 and contracted through the next season.

Maintaining the status quo appears more likely. Haliburton along with Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Obi Toppin are secured through at least 2027. McConnell is set for an extension this offseason. A significant decision looms over Myles Turner, the stretch center who is a free agent this summer. Re-signing him could push the franchise into luxury tax territory for the first time since 2006—a tough decision, especially given Haliburton’s uncertain return date. If they choose not to re-sign Turner, how far is the team willing to go in seeking a replacement, considering the potential of viewing the 2025–26 season as a transitional period? This scenario carries its own risks, especially as Siakam approaches 32 by season’s end. The Pacers still hold all their first-round picks, so they might stay active in the trade market, given their history of building through significant trades. Yet, it’s a daunting task to dismantle a roster that has clearly been effective.

Haliburton’s injury is not just a personal tragedy; it has widespread implications. The Pacers must now navigate a tricky path, balancing the potential for competing next season with the need to plan for Haliburton’s return. They face a choice between aggressive moves and a more cautious approach while the rest of the NBA rapidly evolves. This road is fraught with challenges and uncertainties, and what seems like the right decision now might prove costly in just a few months.

The shadow of Haliburton’s unfortunate injury will loom large over the Pacers for the foreseeable future. Every decision made in the coming weeks and months will be influenced by this event. There are a few scenarios where Indiana manages to navigate this situation perfectly and emerges with a championship-caliber team and a healthy Haliburton ready to dominate. However, there are far more scenarios where things could go wrong. To say that Indiana is in a difficult position would be an understatement.

It’s not always easy to untangle the web of consequences stemming from a major injury. In this case, however, the repercussions of Haliburton’s injury on the Pacers’ immediate future and our perception of the previous games are all too clear. There’s nothing positive to be found; it’s a mix of challenging, disheartening, or both.

Haliburton is expected to return, and the Pacers may once again reach the Finals when he does. He will receive top-notch surgical and recovery care. In Indiana, the enduring image of Haliburton waiting to console his heartbroken teammates will linger far longer than the distressing footage of his injury.

Indeed, what a way to conclude an otherwise remarkable season and series.

More NBA Finals Coverage on Sports Illustrated