Tyrese Haliburton believes the frequency of Achilles injuries is not linked to the number of games: “I think injuries are just bad luck sometimes” originally appeared on Basketball Network.
The champagne has long been poured, and the celebrations have quieted. Although the Oklahoma City Thunder absolutely deserved the Larry O’Brien trophy after winning Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals over the Indiana Pacers, it is safe to say that most people will remember Tyrese Haliburton‘s Achilles tear in the first quarter more than the Thunder’s title-clinching victory.
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After all, the Pacers guard had the look of a man determined to will his team to the championship in hostile territory after scoring nine points in the game’s first five minutes. Alas, it was not meant to be as he crumpled to the floor and shed tears, not because of the pain, but because he knew he wouldn’t be able to help his team any longer.
Since then, many have expressed concerns about how the players participating in so many games could be contributing to these Achilles injuries — seven players last season suffered the same injury, including Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum in the postseason. However, Hali pushed back, claiming that it was nothing more than bad luck.
Nobody has a definitive answer
Achilles injuries were a hot topic in the wake of Haliburton’s tragic incident, with many experts, coaches and even league commissioner Adam Silver weighing in. Some pointed to the increased demands of the modern game, especially the frenetic pace players are expected to maintain throughout the season. Others blamed poor conditioning or inadequate rest and recovery time.
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Hali, though, shared that it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what causes this type of injury.
“Everybody thinks we play too many games, we play too many minutes. All those things could be true, but I don’t think that is what’s causing these injuries,” he declared during his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
“So I don’t think that anybody has necessarily the answer. I think injuries are just bad luck sometimes and that’s just what happened. I think that’s just what happens in sports sometimes,” Hali surmised.
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The dynamic guard was already dealing with a calf strain after Game 5 and was even given clearance to compete in Game 6 after he passed a stress test. Tyrese recalled how great he felt heading to the winner-take-all Game 7 and the early returns showed no signs of physical limitations.
“I go to Game 7, I feel nothing. I feel great going into the game. I think that’s why I had a great start to the game. My body felt great. Then obviously, that happens in the end,” he conveyed.
Develop his basketball mind
The Pacers have already announced that Haliburton will not be playing in any games during the 2025-26 season. However, Hali said it doesn’t mean he’ll be an idle spectator. He shared that as busy as he is with rehabilitation and strengthening, he’ll also be taking the time to soak up as much knowledge as possible from the coaches and even the front office.
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“I think I want to take this time to keep growing my mind for the game,” he remarked. “Being around coach [Rick] Carlisle. Sit in on coaches’ meetings. [Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin] Pritchard, talking to those guys and helping.”
Haliburton’s ascendance to becoming a bona fide superstar in the NBA is currently on pause due to an unfortunate injury. But instead of wallowing in self-pity, the young guard remains fully invested in the team’s success and is eager to contribute in any way he can.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.