In Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton sustained a right leg injury that forced him to leave the game in the first quarter. The Pacers later announced he would not return due to what was described as a “lower right leg injury.” Haliburton’s father revealed to ABC that the injury was an Achilles issue. During the game, Haliburton had started strong, scoring nine points in just seven minutes before collapsing to the floor while dribbling, visibly in pain and unable to put weight on his leg as teammates helped him off the court.
The Pacers ultimately lost the match 103-91, marking their lowest scoring output of the playoffs, which was compounded by Haliburton’s absence. Leading up to Game 7, Haliburton had been averaging an impressive 17.7 points, 9 assists, and 5.6 rebounds across 22 playoff games. His contributions were significant to the team’s success, including a game-winning shot in Game 1 of the Finals.
Moreover, he had been playing through a right calf strain earlier in the series, and acknowledged feeling stiff and sore prior to Game 7. Haliburton expressed a strong desire to compete with his teammates, emphasizing the special bond they share and his willingness to fight for the championship. He had discussed with the coaching staff the importance of being effective on the court, stating he wanted to contribute but would willingly sit out if he was detrimental to the team’s performance. The Pacers now face an uncertain postseason ahead without their star guard in the pivotal moments of the Finals.
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