Tyrese Haliburton’s season came to a heartbreaking end on the biggest stage. The Indiana Pacers star went down with an Achilles injury during Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, leaving the court in visible pain and tears.

The injury occurred in the first quarter, as Haliburton tried to shake off Shai Gilgeous–Alexander on a drive. After making a quick move, the Pacers guard fell to the floor clutching his leg and was unable to continue.

Haliburton had gotten off to a red-hot start in Game 7, knocking down three of his first four attempts from beyond the arc. It looked like it was going to be a special night for the Pacers’ star before the injury abruptly ended his performance.

After Haliburton’s emotional exit to the locker room — assisted by team staff and in visible pain — the Pacers’ official X account (formerly Twitter) confirmed that the star guard will not return to the game, officially bringing his season to an end.

The Pacers star exited in the first quarter with an Achilles injury, as Haliburton’s dad confirmed to ESPN, ending his NBA Finals run and bringing a somber tone to Indiana’s title hopes.

Haliburton’s Game 5 injury adds context to devastating Game 7 exit

Tyrese Haliburton’s heartbreaking injury in Game 7 of the NBA Finals wasn’t entirely without warning. Back in Indiana’s Game 5 loss, it was revealed that the Pacers star had suffered a calf injury that significantly limited him in the games that followed.

Despite not being at 100%, Haliburton pushed through the pain and suited up for Game 6, making it clear that missing time was never an option in his mind. “It’s the Finals, man. I’ve worked my whole life to be here. I want to be out there to compete, help my teammates any way I can,” Haliburton said after the Game 5 loss.

“I was not great tonight by any means but it’s not really a thought of mine to not play here. If I can walk, then I want to play. They understand that and it is what it is, and you know, got to get ready to go for Game 6,” he added.