Oklahoma City Thunder Clinch Second NBA Championship Amid Tyrese Haliburton's Injury Woes
The Thunder secured their second NBA title, but Tyrese Haliburton's torn Achilles in Game 7 raises concerns for the Pacers' future.
Overview
- The Oklahoma City Thunder won their second NBA championship by defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the Finals.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points and was named Finals MVP for his exceptional performance throughout the series.
- Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during the Finals, requiring surgery and leading to significant frustration for the Pacers.
- Haliburton had previously been playing through a calf strain before the injury, complicating his situation on the court.
- The injury is expected to sideline Haliburton for a significant period, potentially causing him to miss the entire 2025-26 season.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Tyrese Haliburton's injury with a focus on its impact on the Pacers and his career. They emphasize the severity of the Achilles injury and its potential long-term consequences, reflecting concern for the player’s future while highlighting his previous performance and contributions to the team.
Haliburton sustained a right calf strain during Game 5, causing him to be questionable for Game 6.
Tyrese Haliburton tore his right Achilles tendon in the first quarter of Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Haliburton's clutch play and ability to dictate the tempo make him a key player for the team.
Haliburton scored nine points in just over seven minutes before getting injured.
Haliburton of the Pacers will not return due to a right lower leg injury.
Haliburton was ruled out for the remainder of Game 7 by the Pacers due to a lower right leg injury.
After sustaining an injury, Haliburton was taken to the locker room for evaluation.
Injuries to star players have had a major impact on the playoffs.
The Oklahoma City Thunder won the NBA championship by defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7.
An MRI is scheduled to confirm the suspected Achilles tendon injury, with surgery planned.
Haliburton was playing through a strained right calf before sustaining the injury.
Haliburton is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season due to injury.
Articles (20)
"…Haliburton expressed his frustration and pain over the injury, stating that it feels like a letdown after working his whole life to reach this moment."
The Guardian·9h·"…The Thunder became NBA champions on Sunday evening, topping the Indiana Pacers 103-91 to capture Oklahoma City’s first major pro sports title."
The Guardian·2d·"…Bottom line: if you’re not impressed with Indiana, then you’re not analysing in good faith."
The Guardian·2d·"…The Oklahoma City Thunder is the class of basketball."
TIME Magazine·2d·"…The Oklahoma City Thunder have capped an extraordinary season by defeating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals to win the franchise’s first title since relocating from Seattle in 2008."
Al Jazeera·2d·"…Haliburton’s injury was a brutal moment."
CNN·1d·"…Haliburton began slamming the court in agony, seemingly already aware of the injury he suffered."
NBC News·1d·"…Haliburton was off to a hot start before the injury."
NBC News·2d·"…The championship marks the Thunder’s first Finals victory since the team moved to OKC."
Deadline·2d·"…The frustration is unfathomable."
USA TODAY·9h·"…The worst fears for the Indiana Pacers have come true."
USA TODAY·1d·"…The Pacers do have a formula that works."
USA TODAY·2d·"…Haliburton was eventually helped off the floor and into the locker room with a towel draped over his head."
USA TODAY·2d·"…And then he was gone."
Chicago Tribune·2d·"…The Oklahoma City Thunder are champions."
CBS News·2d·"…The ensuing scene was heartbreaking for the Pacers."
Associated Press·2d·"…This one may have been the most gut-wrenching of all."
Boston Herald·2d·"…Haliburton expressed deep frustration and pain over his injury and the team's loss, but also conveyed a sense of gratitude and determination to overcome the challenges ahead."
FOX News·9h·"…In the end, the Thunder turned this magical season into history as the second-youngest group to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy."
FOX News·2d·"…Haliburton was down on his stomach, hammering his fist onto the ground, writhing in pain."
FOX News·2d·FAQ
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in Game 7 to secure their second NBA championship and the first since relocating to Oklahoma City.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the Finals MVP, scoring 29 points and 12 assists in Game 7, and delivering an exceptional performance throughout the series.
Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in Game 7, requiring surgery, and is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season, raising concerns about his future performance.
Haliburton's torn Achilles early in Game 7 significantly hindered the Pacers' ability to compete, as he was a key player who had also been managing a calf strain prior to the injury.
The Thunder completed a successful rebuild with a young, well-constructed roster including many undrafted and second-round picks, signaling a strong foundation for future success and potential dynasty formation.
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