Unfortunately, injuries are a part of sports, and many times they can have a massive impact on games.
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton suffered an Achilles injury in the first quarter of Game 7. It was immediately apparent that Haliburton's injury was serious, and the star guard wasn't able to return.
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was seen walking across the court to check on Haliburton as he laid on the ground in pain.
The Thunder went on to win the game and, ultimately, the series. Even though the team had just won its first championship in history, Gilgeous-Alexander again showed his concern for Haliburton.
Gilgeous-Alexander left his team's post-game celebration to head to the visitor's locker room and check on Haliburton. The two were seen hugging, with Gilgeous-Alexander giving Haliburton some words of encouragement.
Gilgeous-Alexander also spoke about Haliburton's injury in the post-game presser.
"You just hate to see it, in sports in general, but in the moment," Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters. "My heart dropped for him. I couldn't imagine playing the biggest game of my life and something like that happening. It's so unfortunate. It's not fair. Competition isn't fair sometimes. I just felt so bad for him... Prayers go out to him for sure. Hell of a player. Future's bright. That team's going to be good for a very long time."
The OKC star also called Haliburton's future "super bright."
It was a brutal ending to the season for Haliburton, who had been on an insane tear in the postseason. The Iowa State product averaged 17.3 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game in the playoffs, while shooting 46% from the field and 34% from deep.
Haliburton had game-tying or game-winning shots in the final seconds in all four rounds, including a game-winning shot in Game 1 of the Finals.
However, Haliburton was seen limping after Game 2 and suffered a calf strain in Game 5. The Pacer played through the injury until suffering the Achilles tear in Game 7.
Achilles injuries are one of the worst injuries a basketball player can get, and it seems likely that the star guard will miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season as well.
Haliburton isn't the only star player to suffer an Achilles injury during these playoffs either, as the same happened to Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard.
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