Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton exited Game 7 of the NBA Finals early in the first quarter after sustaining a right leg injury. The team later confirmed during the second quarter that he would not return, citing it as a “lower right leg injury.” Haliburton’s father later revealed to ABC’s Lisa Salters that it involved his achilles.

The Pacers ultimately fell 103-91, marking their lowest scoring game of the playoffs—an outcome likely influenced by Haliburton’s absence. Just moments before his injury, Haliburton had shown promise, scoring nine points in seven minutes while hitting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. His injury occurred shortly after receiving a pass at the top of the key; he began to dribble but collapsed suddenly, slamming the hardwood in clear pain before the team called timeout.

Unable to put any weight on his leg, he was helped off the court by teammates. The 24-year-old guard had been a defining force for Indiana throughout the postseason. In 22 playoff appearances leading up to the final game, he averaged 17.7 points, 9 assists, and 5.6 rebounds. His presence was vital in orchestrating multiple comeback wins during Indiana’s deep playoff run.

Haliburton had already been playing through pain, nursing a right calf strain sustained earlier in the series. The issue appeared to worsen in Game 5, and despite visible discomfort, he pushed through Game 6, which the Pacers won 108-91 to force a Game 7. Speaking prior to the decisive match, Haliburton had acknowledged the condition of his leg. “A little stiff, a little sore,” he admitted. “Good thing I only had to play, like, 23 minutes. I’ve been able to get even more treatment and do more things. Just trying to take care of it the best I can.”

His commitment to the game and his teammates remained unwavering. After Game 6, he emphasized that as long as he could walk, he would be on the court. “I just look at it as I want to be out there to compete with my brothers,” he said. “These are guys that I’m willing to go to war with, and we’ve had such a special year… I think I’d beat myself up if I didn’t give it a chance.”

He also spoke candidly about his conversation with the coaching staff, saying, “I just had to have an honest conversation with Coach that, you know, if I didn’t look like myself and was hurting the team, like, sit me down. Obviously, I want to be on the floor. But I want to win more than anything.”

Haliburton’s heroics in Game 1—where he nailed the game-winner with just 0.3 seconds left—set the tone for what looked like a potential Cinderella run. But the injury in the final game cut that narrative short, leaving the Pacers to wonder what might have been with their leader sidelined.