The Indiana Pacers had one of the biggest misfortunes in the NBA finals. With the series level 3-3, the Pacers wanted to fire on all cylinders against the Oklahoma City Thunder. And they did start in a promising manner as well. Pacers’ biggest star, Tyrese Haliburton, looked on fire in the opening minutes. Haliburton nailed three of his initial four three-point attempts right away. And just when it looked like it might be Haliburton’s day, things went downhill. He suffered a leg injury that proved to be brutal for the Pacers. And coming in support of Haliburton, former Pacers star Victor Oladipo had a lot to say.
Victor Oladipo knows a thing or two about getting injured. Suffering from a brutal lower-body injury, Oladipo saw his career cut short. Now, looking at Haliburton, Oladipo called for player protection. He insisted that playing forcefully despite being injured is not an acceptable alternative.
“In the Finals? So we just going keep playing right? Like its okay right? Like it ain’t happen huh? Like this is just part of it right?But what would this play off run be without Hali? What about Dame what about JT and so many others. I bet we will just blame it on the moment though lol and Hey he got millions right so he will be alright huh? So what truly matters? The Athlete?
It’s all good though. I promise you im 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. Yall enjoy the rest of the game though. Rest up Hali bro this will make you stronger,” Oladipo wrote on X.
In the Finals? So we just going keep playing right? Like its okay right? Like it ain’t happen huh? Like this is just part of it right?But what would this play off run be without Hali? What about Dame what about JT and so many others. I bet we will just blame it on the moment…
— Victor Oladipo (@VicOladipo) June 23, 2025
Surely, the injury made Oladipo go back to his playing days. Playing for the Pacers, Oladipo peaked in the 2017-18 season. Unfortunately, he was ravaged by injuries thereafter. With a ruptured tendon in his quads in 2019 and again in 2021, Oladipo did not find his mojo ever again. Meanwhile, not only did Haliburton’s injury cost the Pacers the final. It could well make Haliburton miss the next season!
Tyrese Haliburton Suffers An ACL Injury
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Haliburton has been one of the biggest stars of the Indiana Pacers. Having helped the team in the playoffs, Haliburton was expected to continue the same in the finals, too. Unfortunately, throughout the series, Haliburton was suffering from a niggle on his right calf. But while he continued to play with injury, his leg gave up in the finals.
About as clear an achilles rupture you will see on video for Tyrese Haliburton here – classic pushing off mechanism & clear pop through calf.
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) June 23, 2025
Will require surgery & >9 month recovery, feel for him in such a big game.pic.twitter.com/hqFns4zKcr
While driving towards the basket, Haliburton went down without contact and writhed in pain. After initial assistance, he was ruled unfit for the game. Haliburton’s father later told ESPN that he had an ACL injury. Thus, with a lot of concerns building, it now remains to be seen what happens next.
