Haliburton Injured in Game 7 as Thunder Claim NBA Title
Tyrese Haliburton suffered a devastating Achilles injury in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Monday (AEST). The Indiana Pacers star collapsed late in the first quarter during their clash against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Haliburton had been playing with a right calf sprain in Game 6. He came out strong, hitting three three-pointers early. The injury occurred as he tried to change direction while guarded by OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
He immediately collapsed, clutching his right leg and slamming the court. Haliburton screamed in pain and broke into tears.
TYRESE HALIBURTON 💔 💔💔pic.twitter.com/i9TU8G8vUe
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) June 23, 2025
Broadcaster Reaction and Medical Outlook
ESPN’s Mike Breen reacted on-air saying, “It’s the right calf, he knew he was in trouble. You’re just sick to your stomach for the young man.”
Pacers staff gave Haliburton privacy as he hobbled off with a towel over his head. He was unable to place weight on his right leg.
NRL Physio posted on X: “About as clear an achilles rupture you will see on video for Tyrese Haliburton here – classic pushing off mechanism & clear pop through calf. Will require surgery & >9 month recovery, feel for him in such a big game.”
His father John confirmed the Achilles rupture during a live ESPN interview.
Figure 1: Pacers staff gave Haliburton privacy
NBA World Reacts to Haliburton’s Injury
Reactions from around the league flooded social media. Zach Lowe wrote, “Oh my god.” LeBron James posted: “F***!!!!!!!!” Kevin O’Connor added, “I’m so sick for Haliburton. This is so horrible. He knew what it was right away. He has the heart of a champion going out there to fight for his teammates. And he was so amazing to start Game 7. Damn it man.”
FIBA’s official account shared: “Prayers up for Tyrese Haliburton.”
Tyrese Haliburton on crutches greeting his teammates 🥺 pic.twitter.com/a3xhHFeqgf
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 23, 2025
Achilles Injury Trend in 2025 Playoffs
Haliburton is the third NBA star to suffer an Achilles injury during the 2025 playoffs. Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard and Boston’s Jayson Tatum also went down earlier this postseason.
All three are expected to miss the entire 2025–26 NBA season.
Thunder Secure First NBA Title Since Seattle Era
Despite Haliburton’s injury, Indiana led 48–47 at half-time. Oklahoma City bounced back, winning 103–91 and securing the championship title.
TJ McConnell pushed hard in the third quarter, scoring 10 straight points for the Pacers. Pascal Siakam showed early promise but faded as the game progressed.
Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 29 points in Game 7 and received the Finals MVP award.
Figure 2: Thunder Secure First NBA Title Since Seattle Era
Historic Season for Oklahoma City Thunder
Gilgeous-Alexander became the first player since Steph Curry in 2015 to win both season MVP and NBA title.
OKC finished the regular season with 68 wins, the league’s best record. The 2025 championship is their first since the franchise moved from Seattle in 2008.
The franchise last won in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics.
Figure 3: SGA became the first player since Steph Curry in 2015 to win both season MVP and NBA title
Key Contributions and Strategic Trades
Alex Caruso, who joined OKC in exchange for Australian Josh Giddey, scored 10 points including two first-quarter three-pointers.
Caruso’s defensive role played a crucial part in OKC’s postseason run.
Australian Success in the NBA
Alex Ducas, on a two-way contract with the Thunder, will become the eighth Australian to win an NBA championship.
Ducas joins a growing list of Australians contributing to teams at the highest level of the sport.
Also Read: AC/DC Announce 2025 Australia Stadium Tour After Decade-Long Hiatus
Game 7 Marks Dramatic End to NBA Season
The NBA Finals Game 7 was the first since 2016. The high-stakes match highlighted both triumph and heartbreak.
OKC capitalised on Indiana’s second-half fatigue and built a winning lead in the fourth quarter.
The Pacers struggled without Haliburton, whose leadership and shot-making had set the early tone.
Thunder Fulfil Season Potential
Oklahoma City entered the finals as favourites following their dominant regular season. The team delivered under pressure and secured their first title in 46 years.
Their championship win closed a dramatic postseason filled with injuries, comebacks and rising stars.
NBA Prepares for an Uncertain 2026 Season
The league faces a 2026 season without Lillard, Tatum and Haliburton. Each player plays a central role in their team.
Recovery timelines extend beyond nine months, with surgery required in all three cases.
Fans await updates from medical teams as rehabilitation programs begin.
Thunder Celebrate, Pacers Regroup
Oklahoma City celebrated a historic win led by a star-studded lineup and strategic depth. Indiana return home to assess the future of their franchise leader.
The 2025 NBA Finals ended with both triumph and tragedy on display at the highest level of global basketball.
