The Indiana Pacers confirmed on June 24, 2025, that their All‑NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Thunder. The injury occurred in the first quarter when Haliburton attempted a drive, collapsed in visible pain, and was immediately assisted off the court.
Official Confirmation & Medical Update
- MRI results: On Monday, the team revealed that the MRI confirmed a complete Achilles tear. Haliburton was scheduled for surgery with Dr. Martin O’Malley at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery.
- Expected recovery: A typical timeline for athletes with such injuries ranges from eight to ten months, likely sidelining Haliburton for most or all of the 2025–26 season.
Haliburton’s Playoff Performance
Despite carrying a strained right calf, believed to have been aggravated in Game 5, Haliburton played through the injury and averaged 14.0 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds during the Finals. He had delivered key contributions throughout the postseason, but managed just nine points before exiting Game 7.
Emotional and Physical Toll
Haliburton shared a raw and emotional message via social media post-surgery, writing:
“Man. Don’t know how to explain it other than shock… this shit sucks… My foot feels like dead weight fam. But what’s hurting most I think is my mind.”.
He reflected on his mindset, expressing that despite the pain he’s determined to overcome it, ending with: “Watch how I come back from this”.
Broader NBA Impact
- Haliburton joins Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum, both also ruled out with torn Achilles injuries this postseason — marking an alarming trend among NBA stars.
- This trio’s absence reshapes the Eastern Conference landscape, opening playoff opportunities for contenders like the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Next Steps for the Pacers
- Roster adjustments: Without Haliburton, the Pacers must reconfigure their offensive load, turning to players like Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin to fill the void.
- Coaching outlook: Coach Rick Carlisle remains optimistic, stating Haliburton “will be back” and praising his playoff leadership.
- Season forecast: With Haliburton likely sidelined for most of 2025–26, Indiana’s ambitions are likely to focus on retooling around veteran continuity and young depth .
Historical & Recovery Context
Recovery from a torn Achilles varies—modern athletes like Kevin Durant have struggled to return to elite form, while others have successfully reintegrated post-rehab . Haliburton’s youth (25 years old), work ethic, and team context may favor a strong rehabilitation trajectory, though caution is warranted.
What Fans and Stakeholders Should Watch
- Surgery & rehab milestones: Timing of surgery and early rehab progress will be closely monitored.
- Pacers’ offseason moves: Indiana management must decide whether to strengthen the roster around the injury or to reallocate resources.
- Eastern Conference dynamics: Haliburton’s absence could determine playoff positioning, creating a vacuum the Knicks or Cavaliers may exploit.
Key Takeaways
- Haliburton will miss most of 2025–26 season following torn Achilles and immediate surgery.
- Emotional resilience: His candid post-surgery reflections show psychological strength amid adversity.
- Eastern Conference shake-up: His injury, along with those to Lillard and Tatum, dramatically reshapes the playoff picture.
Fans and franchise stakeholders alike will be watching closely as Haliburton begins his recovery journey—hoping to see him return to the floor and continue the promising trajectory he built in this unforgettable 2025 postseason.
