The Indiana Pacers’ magical NBA Finals run ended in heartbreak this past June when star guard Tyrese Haliburton collapsed with a torn Achilles tendon in Game 7. Just minutes into the first quarter of the most crucial game of his career, the injury created one of the most painful “what if” moments in franchise history.
What if their floor general had stayed healthy? For Haliburton, though, the decision to play through his earlier calf strain wasn’t about hesitation or second-guessing. When everyone urged him to shut it down, he turned to Kevin Durant for the perspective that would shape his choice.
How Did Kevin Durant’s Advice Shape Tyrese Haliburton’s Finals Decision?
Speaking on the Impaulsive podcast, Haliburton revealed that doctors had advised him to sit out two to three weeks when his initial calf injury flared up. Close friends and family echoed the same caution, urging him to protect his long-term career above all else.
However, Haliburton had different plans entirely. He recalled his mindset: “It’s the Finals, man. I’ve worked my whole life to be here, and I want to be out there to compete. Help my teammates any way I can.”
In the days leading up to Game 6 of the NBA Finals, he reached out to Durant. Durant had lived through a nearly identical situation in 2019, pushing through a calf strain during the Finals with the Golden State Warriors, only to suffer a torn Achilles that cost him an entire season.
Haliburton asked Durant the question that had been weighing on him: did he regret taking that risk? Durant’s answer was short and emphatic: “No, not at all.”
This response resonated deeply with Haliburton, who said, “Yeah, I wasn’t going to switch anyway, so I’m glad he said that. It made me feel a little bit better. But no, I don’t regret it, bro.”
The risk didn’t pay off the way Haliburton hoped. He tore his Achilles tendon early in Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, ending his postseason run and putting him on the shelf for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The recovery timeline, as both he and the Pacers confirmed, stretches roughly 15 months. Indiana, which had taken OKC to the brink, fell short without their leader orchestrating the offense.
Despite the devastating outcome, Haliburton remained upbeat about his decision. During the interview, he noted that Durant even visited his home afterward to share advice and perspective on the long road back.
“I’ve got a great support system in my family and friends, and I’m just doing everything I can,” he said.
What Does Haliburton’s Absence Mean for the Indiana Pacers?
With Haliburton sidelined for the entire 2025-26 campaign, the Pacers’ outlook shifts dramatically. Once considered a legitimate contender to return to the Finals, they’re now projected closer to a play-in team battling for postseason relevance.
Myles Turner’s departure to Milwaukee further complicates the roster construction, leaving Indiana in desperate need of reinforcements to stay competitive in the loaded Eastern Conference. The front office faces the challenge of maintaining competitiveness while their franchise cornerstone recovers.
Still, Haliburton remains the long-term face of the franchise. His willingness to risk everything on basketball’s biggest stage, while controversial to some, cemented his status as a fearless competitor who puts winning above personal preservation.
Whether Indiana finds its way back to championship contention before his return remains uncertain. When he does step on the court again, the Pacers community will welcome him back with open arms, not just as their star guard, but as someone whose loyalty and determination were tested on one of sports’ biggest stages.
