NBA World Was Crushed Tyrese Haliburton Exited Game 7 With Non-Contact Injury

A devastating start to the winner-take-all game between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Indiana Pacers guard Haliburton is checked on after an apparent injury following a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Indiana Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton went down with an apparent leg injury after he tried to explode off his right foot to drive past Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the first quarter of Game 7 on Sunday night.

He hit the floor and banged the hardwood in pain as the Pacers' training staff ran over after the whistle as his teammates surrounded him. Although the severity of the injury is currently unknown, it's impossible not to expect the worst after the visuals that took place at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City with five minutes left in the opening quarter.

Here's the play where he was hurt, pulling up on his right foot without any contact:

Tyrese Haliburton went down with an injury in Game 7. pic.twitter.com/AZ1uk65dFg

— ESPN (@espn) June 23, 2025

The basketball world and millions of viewers all shared the same reaction—absolutely crushed for the Pacers' star after an incredible postseason run that culminated in a winner-take-all Game 7. Here's a sample of the collective disappointment and heartbreak for Haliburton following the play:

oh my god

— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 23, 2025

The entire team around him. He comes to his feet but it looks how it looks pic.twitter.com/XtcESg97MK

— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) June 23, 2025

Just awful

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 23, 2025

Haliburton needs to be helped off the floor. Shades of Durant in the 2019 Finals. Headed straight to the locker room.

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) June 23, 2025

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.

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 23, 2025

oh no. absolutely not. absolutely not tyrese.

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) June 23, 2025

Ah you gotta be kidding me

— Keandre Ashley (@HoopIntelllect) June 23, 2025

Not like this man

— Kofie (@Kofie) June 23, 2025

Devastated for Hali. No words. The worst possible thing.

— Bri Lewerke (@brilewerke) June 23, 2025

Awwwws Damn! @TyHaliburton22 is down. @TyHaliburton22 is down. Awww damn! None of us want to see this. We don’t want a title decided this way. Especially the way he was playing!!!! Awwwww Damn!!!!!

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 23, 2025

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