Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton officially eliminated throughout the 2025-26 NBA season after repair surgery to repair a tear of the right follow-up tendon.
The 25-year-old fell in the first quarter of the NBA Finals Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, falling to the floor while driving onto the layup without touch. The Pacers continued to lose the decisive 103-91, ending their first NBA title bid.
Pacemaker President Kevin Pritchard talked about Huberton's situation.
“I have no doubt that he will be better than ever…even though he won't play next year. We won't be jeopardizing that now. He won't hope he will play any hope.” According to wish-tv.
Haliburton fought for calf pulls in Game 5 of the final but was unable to finish the series healthily.
In last year's 73 regular season games, the two All-Stars averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals. In the finals, he scored 14 points, 5.9 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game.
Losing Halliburton was a shocking blow for the Pacers, who beat the NBA world in the playoffs.
Indiana put the Celtics and Bucks to the finals for the first time in team history after finishing third in the Eastern Conference. Haliburton’s playing and leadership abilities are at the heart of this success, and his absence next season will leave a huge gap.
Pritchard said the Pacers are committed to supporting Halliburton’s recovery.
The injury marked the third Achilles breakdown suffered by a high-profile player in the playoffs. Boston's Jayson Tatum and Milwaukee's Damian Lillard suffered the same devastating damage in these playoffs.
Kevin Durant missed the entire season after ripping his Achilles in the 2019 final for Golden State and tore his Achilles in the 2019 final.
Read more: Kyrie Irving's latest return on potential damage
