The Indiana Pacers faced the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, a historic matchup for both franchises. Unfortunately, one team had to lose—and it was the Pacers who came up short. But the loss went beyond the scoreboard. Indiana not only fell just shy of winning their first championship, but also saw their star point guard Tyrese Haliburton exit early with a devastating injury. Pacers legend Reggie Miller responded with a heartfelt message to the team and Haliburton.
After the game, Miller took to social media to offer support for Haliburton and express pride in the team’s incredible postseason run—particularly in light of the injury that stunned fans and teammates alike in the opening minutes of the game.
“I felt the gut punch to Pacer Nation, not only from the loss, but the loss of our fearless leader Tyrese Haliburton. The man upstairs always has a master plan and ‘this too shall pass,’” Miller wrote. “I’m very grateful to the Pacers TEAM for bringing so much pride, grit and togetherness back to Indiana basketball. Masterful job on the sideline, Coach Rick Carlisle. And let’s not forget about all the men and women who work in the Front Offices who sacrifice a lot of their time to make things happen.”
Indiana entered the playoffs as an underdog and shocked the basketball world by pushing their way to Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Throughout each series, the Pacers proved they had the firepower to compete with any contender. Their run was defined by toughness, belief, and a refusal to back down from any opponent.
What happened to Haliburton?
The injury occurred in the first quarter as Haliburton attempted to shake free from Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. After a sharp move, the Pacers guard collapsed to the floor in visible pain, clutching his right leg. He was helped off the court and did not return.
Haliburton had started the game on fire, knocking down three of his first four three-point attempts. It looked like the All-Star guard was set to deliver a special performance in the biggest game of his young career—until the injury cut it short.
According to Shams Charania, Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon and had also been playing through a pre-existing calf strain in the same leg. The news stunned the NBA world, particularly given his effort to suit up despite the discomfort.
Charania also reported that Haliburton is likely to miss the entire 2025–26 NBA season. It’s a devastating blow for the Pacers, who lose their franchise cornerstone at the peak of his ascent. The heartbreak of the Game 7 defeat is compounded by the grim outlook for the team’s immediate future.