NBA Finals 2025 Recap: Thunder Edge Pacers in Game 7 | Haliburton's Injury Impact

A Championship Decades In the Making

On June 23, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 103-91 in an exciting Game 7 to win their first NBA championship. It wasn't an easy Finals series, a postseason marathon, or a milestone title in club history. However, Tyrese Haliburton's stumble off the floor with what seemed to be a serious strained Achilles ended the celebration on a tragic note. This may have had a huge impact on how the game played out.

NBA Finals Game 7 Results: Thunder flies, Pacers crash

Equalized Thunder Strike

They played mature and tough on a big scale in their most critical game, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way with 29 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds. His looting-style playmaking, along with Jalen Williams' 20 points and Chet Holmgren's defensive efforts (18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 blocks), led to the Pacers' defeat in the second half.

Haliburton’s Heartbreak

Tyrese Haliburton was unable to hang on and collapsed on the drive to the basket little under five minutes into the first quarter. The play was non-contact, indicating a significant injury. He was forced down the court, and it was later rumored that he may have injured his right Achilles. His departure left a significant void in the Hoosiers' offense and emotional heart.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Total
Indiana Pacers	22	26	20	23	91
OKC Thunder	25	22	34	22	103

The third quarter proved to be decisive. Indiana was also outscored by the Thunder, 34 to 20, despite taking shots and failing to score.

Game Stats

The Pacers shot better overall, particularly from three, but were upset by Oklahoma City, who pressed them heavily.

Tyrese Haliburton's Injury: A Devastating Turn.

What happened?

Haliburton had already injured his right calf during Game 5. In game 7, he attempted a quick crossover, but his leg gave out. The swell, or outward ripple on his calf, was similar to the NBA's Achilles condition. There has been no official confirmation, but early rumors point to a ruptured tendon, which could be devastating for the Pacers' franchise captain.

A Warrior Throughout the Series

Despite a calf injury, Haliburton produced 14 points and five assists in Game 6, sending the series to Game 7. In the last game, he scored 9 points in minutes while missing 3-4 three-pointers.

He averaged 17.7 points, 9 assists, and 5.6 rebounds in the playoffs, demonstrating how important his performance was. His loss in the middle of the game shifted tactical possibilities while also shaking the Pacers emotionally.

T.J. McConnell Steps Up, but Cannot Fill the Void

T.J. McConnell, a veteran, has 16 bench reinforcements thanks to his usual hustle. However, the offensive in Indiana was chaotic, and Haliburton was not involved in its planning. Under pressure, their half-court setups slowed, and OKC took advantage of errant passes and botched moves.

What This Means for the Pacers’ Future

If Haliburton's injury is a complete Achilles tear, his recovery time might range from 6 to 12 months. The Pacers must make difficult summer decisions: have they lost a franchise player, how to manage expectations, and how to compete in the tough Eastern Conference?

Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner, among other players, are expected to shoulder heavier tasks. They don't know what their ceiling is without Haliburton.

A Peak of Historic Win: Dynasty of Thunder

Youth triumphs

Even though the 2025 season has over, beating the Thunder marked not only the conclusion of one season but the start of another. With Jalen Williams, Shai, and Holmgren all under the age of 26, this young core is well-prepared to dominate for the foreseeable future. Mark Daigneault, the head coach, has also established himself as a brainiac when it comes to coaching against his opponents, who are among the playoff veterans.

OKBET and the Odds

OKBet sports bettors predicted the Thunder to be underdogs in the early rounds. Their space shot triumph vindicates everyone who believed in OKC's deep roster and playoff potential. OKC's prospects are good, and with the rest of the momentum and a youthful nucleus, the odds of winning the title in 2026 are likely to rise.

A Final Word: A Bittersweet End to an Amazing Season.

The Oklahoma City Thunder fans are celebrating a long-awaited triumph, but the NBA is focused on Tyrese Haliburton, who guided Indiana to their first Finals appearance in decades thanks to his enthusiasm, talents, and leadership. People will be paying close attention to his journey home, and I'm confident he'll be pleased at every step.

With the 2025 season approaching maturity, there is no disputing that basketball remains thrilling and brutal.