VIDEO: Cameras Caught Tyrese Haliburton’s Emotional Reaction After Devastating Injury In NBA Finals Game 7
Though he was listed as questionable before Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Tyrese Haliburton took the floor with grit and hope. The Indiana Pacers star was determined to give his all in the most crucial game of the season against the Oklahoma City Thunder. But fate dealt him the cruelest hand.
In the first quarter, Haliburton tore his Achilles tendon. Cameras captured the devastating moment as Haliburton collapsed to the ground. Hali was overwhelmed with emotion as he was spotted crying heavily.
With just over five minutes remaining in the opening quarter, the unfortunate sequence occurred. Haliburton received a pass from Obi Toppin and attempted to make a move past Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
But before he could execute the play, his body gave out. He crumpled to the court, and the pain on his face said it all. Team medical staff rushed over, and after an evaluation, Haliburton was escorted to the locker room. Moments later, the Pacers officially ruled him out for the rest of the game.
Stephen A. Smith Reacts To Tyrese Haliburton’s Devastating Injury
Tyrese Haliburton had already been battling a calf strain, which he picked up during Game 5. Yet, in Game 6, he showcased his unwavering commitment by leading the Pacers to victory despite the injury. That bravery made him collapse in Game 7. NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith was among the first to express his anguish over the incident.
“Awwwws Damn! @TyHaliburton22 is down. @TyHaliburton22 is down. Awww damn! None of us want to see this. We don’t want a title decided this way. Especially the way he was playing!!!! Awwwww Damn!!!!!” Smith wrote in X.
Haliburton managed to make an impact in the seven minutes he was on the floor. He scored nine points, shooting 3-for-4 from beyond the arc before leaving the court.
