Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton suffered a concerning non-contact right lower leg injury during the first quarter of Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals on Sunday. The incident occurred against the Oklahoma City Thunder with approximately 4:55 remaining in the period, a devastating blow to the Pacers' hopes of claiming the title.

Haliburton, a two-time NBA All-Star, had already been battling a right calf strain sustained in Game 5 but managed to play 23 minutes in a blowout Game 6 victory, expressing strong determination to be on the court for the decisive match. In the crucial Game 7, he received a pass on the wing, dribbled toward the basket, and then immediately fell to the floor, turning the ball over. Visibly in pain, he pounded the hardwood in frustration before being helped off the court by Pacers staff, hopping on one leg and unable to bear weight on the injured limb. He was officially ruled out in the second quarter.

Before his injury, Haliburton had contributed nine points, all from beyond the arc, demonstrating his impact early in the game. His teammates quickly surrounded him, and the entire Pacers bench, including players, coaches, and medical staff, rushed to his side. Myles Turner, a teammate, expressed the collective heartbreak, telling broadcaster NBC, "It's a heartbreak, man. It's unfortunate, you know, biggest game of the year that injury didn't, like, hold up. But, you know, we've got his back and that's what it's all about."

The severity of the injury remains unconfirmed, but it prompted a wave of concern and support from around the sports world. Prominent athletes, including LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes II, Trae Young, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Donovan Mitchell, Isaiah Thomas, Grant Williams, Josh Hart, De'Aaron Fox, Vince Carter, Maxx Crosby, Jonathan Taylor, Tyler Lockett, Breece Hall, and Darius Slayton, took to social media to send their best wishes and express their dismay at seeing such a critical injury in a high-stakes game.