In a shocking turn of events, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton exited Game 7 of the NBA Finals in the first quarter due to a concerning right leg injury. The team confirmed during the second quarter that Haliburton would not be returning to the game, citing a “lower right leg injury,” as reported by ABC's broadcast team.
The injury occurred shortly after Haliburton received a pass near the top of the key. As he began to dribble, he suddenly collapsed to the floor, losing control of the ball. His distress was evident as he slammed the court in agony before a timeout was called. Teammates assisted him off the court, as he left without putting any pressure on his affected leg.
Prior to the injury, Haliburton was in the midst of an impressive performance. He managed to score nine points in just seven minutes, showcasing his shooting prowess by going 3-of-4 from beyond the 3-point range. His contributions have been vital throughout the playoffs, where he averaged 17.7 points, 9 assists, and 5.6 rebounds over the Pacers' 22 playoff games leading up to Game 7. Haliburton has been a key player in the Pacers’ journey, leading several comebacks across the four playoff rounds.
In a pivotal moment during Game 1 of the Finals, Haliburton hit the game-winning shot with just 0.3 seconds left on the clock. His resilience and skill have been on full display, especially as he played through discomfort in the last two games of the series due to a right calf strain. Earlier in the series, he was seen limping, and he appeared to aggravate the calf injury in Game 5.
Despite the challenges, Haliburton remained determined to contribute to his team's success. The day before Game 7, he described his condition as “a little stiff, a little sore,” but expressed his commitment to the game. “I’ve been able to get even more treatment and do more things,” he noted, emphasizing his desire to take care of himself while remaining competitive.
Following the Pacers' victory in Game 6, which secured their place in the Finals, Haliburton voiced his dedication to the team. “As long as I could walk, I would play,” he stated. Haliburton expressed a deep sense of camaraderie with his teammates, describing them as brothers he was willing to “go to war” with. He reflected on their special bond and the importance of giving everything for the team. “I just want to be out there and fight,” he added, while also acknowledging the need for an honest conversation with the coach about his performance.
As the Pacers move forward in the Finals, the impact of Haliburton's injury remains to be seen. His leadership and skill will be crucial for the team's success, and fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on his condition.
