Just seven minutes into the first quarter of Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Tyrese Haliburton collapsed to the floor without contact while driving to the basket. Clearly in pain, the 25-year-old was helped off the court and did not return, as his team went on to lose 103–91, ending their hopes of a first-ever NBA title.
It was later confirmed that Haliburton had suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and would undergo surgery on Monday. His expected recovery time is between eight to ten months.
This marks the third such high-profile Achilles injury during this season’s play-offs, joining the list with Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Milwaukee’s Damian Lillard. The nature of the injury is reminiscent of the one that sidelined Kevin Durant for an entire season following the 2019 NBA Finals.
Haliburton had already been battling a calf strain sustained in Game 5 but still chose to play in the championship decider. His postseason had been nothing short of remarkable, delivering game-winning or tying shots in all four rounds of the play-offs.
Following his surgery, Haliburton shared an emotional message:
“I’d do it again, and again after that, to fight for this city and my brothers. For the chance to do something special. Words cannot express the pain of this letdown. The frustration is unfathomable. I’ve worked my whole life to get to this moment—and this is how it ends?”
Despite the heartbreak, there is optimism that he will make a full recovery and return stronger in the future.
