Tyrese Haliburton fell to the floor in the first quarter of Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday. The Indiana Pacers star ruptured his right Achilles while attempting to drive past Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. After being on the floor for several minutes, Haliburton headed straight towards the locker room as he was helped by his teammates and training staff.
John Haliburton on Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles injury
While making his way towards the locker room, the point guard was leaned heavily on teammate James Johnson, but the camera caught the reaction of Tyrese Haliburton's father, Josh Haliburton.
John Haliburton was seen covering his eyes as the video of the injury came on the big screen. Tyrese's ankle popped as he drove against the NBA MVP. Tyrese was visibly in pain as he kept on saying 'No'.
His Achilles tear ended his season as he injured his calf first during Game 2. He had re-aggravated his injury during Game 5. Despite being barely able to walk, Tyrese Haliburton told the media that he will play on. Following an MRI, the Pacers gave the green signal to Haliburton to feature in Game 6.
In Game 6, Haliburton didn't look as he was affected by his injury. He played an important role in the Pacers 108-91 victory as the forced Game 7.
The Indiana Pacers were trailing 18-16 when Tyrese Haliburton suffered the injury. He exited from the game with nine points and one turnover. Haliburton was shooting well as he made 3 of 5 shots, including 3 of 4 from deep, before he suffered his injury.
Fans react to Tyrese Haliburton's injury
The clip went viral on social media where people can see the reaction of John Haliburton on his son's injury. Fans took to social media as they reacted on his devasted look.
Maybe the most heartbreaking sports injury I’ve ever seen :( especially on Game 7. a fan wrote.
Take lu Dort give us back haliburton. another fan said.
Any way but this way. another fan added.
one more fan continued, All wear #0
another fan reacted, pain, not like this.
The Haliburton family headed straight towards the locker room in order to attend Tyrese. John Haliburton confirmed to Lisa Salters of ESPN that his son has ruptured his right Achilles.
In his absence, the Indiana Pacers kept on fighting. At halftime, they were leading 48-47 after Andrew Nembhard drained a 25-footer.