Tyrese Haliburton Diagnosed With Torn Achilles, Casting Doubt on 2025-26 Return

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during Sunday’s Game 7 of the NBA Finals, a devastating injury that could sideline the 25-year-old point guard for most—if not all—of the 2025-26 season.

The injury occurred in the first quarter of what would become a 103-91 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who clinched their first NBA championship. Haliburton collapsed to the floor on a non-contact play, pounding the hardwood in visible pain as medical staff rushed to his side. He had to be helped off the court without putting any weight on his right leg, his head covered with a towel, and was later seen on crutches near the team locker room.

What had initially appeared to be a minor incident quickly escalated in seriousness. Reports during the broadcast, confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Monday, revealed Haliburton had torn his Achilles—a worst-case scenario for any professional athlete and a particularly harsh blow for a player at the peak of his career.

From Hope to Heartbreak

At the time of his injury, Haliburton had scored nine points, helping Indiana keep pace with the Thunder in the early going. The game was tied 16-16 when he drove toward the paint and abruptly went down with 4:55 remaining in the first quarter. No contact was made, leading to immediate concern about the severity of the injury.

What made the moment even more poignant was Haliburton’s role in Indiana’s unexpected and inspiring playoff run. The All-Star guard had emerged as the heart and soul of the Pacers’ resurgence this season, averaging 17.3 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.3 rebounds over 23 playoff games. His clutch performances, including multiple buzzer-beaters and double-double outings, galvanized a team that wasn’t widely expected to make it out of the first round.

Sources confirmed that Haliburton had been managing a calf injury throughout the Finals—raising difficult questions about whether that ailment played a role in the Achilles tear.

Long Road to Recovery

A torn Achilles tendon is among the most serious injuries in professional sports, with recovery timelines often ranging from 9 to 12 months—and sometimes longer, depending on rehabilitation progress and complications. Given the timing of Haliburton’s injury in mid-June, a return at any point during the 2025-26 season remains uncertain.

While athletes have come back strong from Achilles injuries—most notably Kevin Durant—such recoveries require careful management and can significantly affect explosiveness and mobility, particularly for guards who rely on quick first steps and agility. For Haliburton, whose court vision and pace are cornerstones of his game, the impact could be profound.

What It Means for the Pacers

With Haliburton now expected to miss a substantial part of next season, the Pacers will need to recalibrate their strategy. Veteran forward Pascal Siakam, acquired midseason, will likely shoulder a larger offensive load. Siakam’s experience and ability to create shots could help stabilize Indiana’s offense in Haliburton’s absence.

Equally important will be the development of 23-year-old guard Bennedict Mathurin. The former lottery pick showed flashes of star potential this season, and the team will need him to take a major leap as both a scorer and a leader on the floor. Point guard duties may also be shared by backup T.J. McConnell, who played meaningful minutes during the postseason and has the veteran savvy to keep the offense organized.

Head coach Rick Carlisle faces the tall task of keeping Indiana competitive in a loaded Eastern Conference. The front office may explore trade or free agency options this summer to bolster backcourt depth, especially if early projections suggest Haliburton may not return until the playoffs—or later.

Teammates and Fans Rally

Despite the heartbreak, Haliburton remained close to his team even after the injury. After the final buzzer sounded, he was seen embracing teammates in the tunnel, offering encouragement as they returned from the court. His leadership and poise were hallmarks of the Pacers’ postseason identity, and his presence in the locker room is expected to remain strong as he embarks on his recovery journey.

On social media, fans, fellow players, and analysts expressed an outpouring of support. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement commending Haliburton’s “incredible season” and wishing him a full recovery. The Pacers organization has not yet announced a formal timeline for his return but confirmed that Haliburton will undergo surgery in the coming days.

Looking Ahead

The injury casts a shadow over what was otherwise a breakthrough season for Indiana. Emerging from years of playoff frustration, the Pacers had found new life behind Haliburton’s dynamic play and a young core showing real potential. Whether they can sustain that momentum without their star remains to be seen.

For Haliburton, the road ahead will be difficult, but not unfamiliar to modern NBA stars who have endured similar injuries. With medical advances, dedicated training staff, and a supportive franchise, he will have every resource at his disposal to come back stronger.

Still, questions linger—about his future, Indiana’s outlook, and whether this promising era can weather its first true crisis. One thing is certain: the Pacers will start the next season with a different rhythm, and the league will be watching closely to see when—and how—Tyrese Haliburton makes his return.