The Indiana Pacers’ season ended with a 103-91 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but it wasn’t just the scoreline that left a mark. Tyrese Haliburton’s torn Achilles in the first quarter turned a historic run into pure heartbreak.
Haliburton had nine points in seven minutes and looked set for another big night in Game 7 against OKC. Instead, he’s likely to be sidelined for the full 2025-26 season.
The shooting guard suffered an injury that many have compared to Kevin Durant’s during the 2019 Finals. The Slim Reaper tore his Achilles and missed the entire following season – a scenario Pacers fans now fear could repeat with their star, although there’s no official confirmation yet.
Victor Oladipo speaks out after Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles tear
Haliburton isn’t alone. Jayson Tatum tore his ACL in the second round. Damian Lillard ruptured his Achilles in the first. That’s three marquee names lost to devastating injuries – all in one postseason.
Victor Oladipo, no stranger to major injuries himself, took to social media to vent his frustration about the growing toll on players.
“In the Finals? So we’re just going to keep playing, right? Like it’s okay, right? Like it ain’t happen, huh? Like this is just part of it, right? But what would this playoff run be without Hali? What about Dame, what about JT, and so many others,” Oladipo wrote on X.
“I bet we will just blame it on the moment though lol and hey, he’s got millions right so he’ll be alright huh? So what truly matters? The Athlete? It’s all good, though.”
A torn Achilles isn’t just a painful injury – it can alter a player’s entire career. In Hali’s case, the timing couldn’t be worse. He’ll spend next season rehabbing while the Pacers try to regroup without their star player.
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Victor Oladipo promises to push for change in the NBA
Victor Oladipo says he plans to push for change, not just vent about it.
“I promise you I’m going to be a part of this change. It doesn’t have to be a norm or just part of the game anymore in any sport. We can and will protect the players better,” he continued.
“Y’all enjoy the rest of the game, though. Rest up, Hali bro, this will make you stronger.”
Victor Oladipo has a point about trying to make it safer for players, but it’s not something the league will fix overnight. It will require listening to players, coaches and medical staff – and even then, there’s no single solution.
But after seeing one player after another go down this postseason, there’s no ignoring the risk anymore. Whether it’s the schedule, shoe design or just bad luck, something’s off – and players like Oladipo are going to keep the pressure on for answers.
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