It wasn’t what NBA fans hoped to see Sunday night.
During Game 7 of the NBA finals, Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton went down with an apparent leg injury in the first quarter with five minutes remaining. After a timeout, Haliburton needed help getting off the court and into the locker room. T.J. McConnell subbed in for him shortly after.
The timing couldn’t have been worse. Haliburton had already scored nine points in the opening quarter, draining three early three-pointers and setting the tone for Indiana.
As soon as the injury occurred, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes took to social media to send prayers for Haliburton. Known as a die-hard sports fan, Mahomes didn’t hesitate to show support for the Pacers’ star guard.
Prayers up man…
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) June 23, 2025
Haliburton, a 6-foot-5 standout from Iowa State, has been a driving force in Indiana’s push for their first NBA title in franchise history. He entered Game 7 averaging 17.7 points over 22 postseason games and hit several clutch shots throughout the Pacers' playoff run.
He originally strained his right calf during Game 5, finishing that game with just four points on 0-for-6 shooting. However, he bounced back in Game 6 with 14 points and five assists, hitting five of his 12 shots in Indiana’s 108-91 win.
McConnell has stepped up in Haliburton’s absence throughout the series. He entered Game 7 averaging 15 points over the last two games and has scored in double figures off the bench in four of the six games.
The Pacers will hope Haliburton's injury is not too serious, but his early exit left a cloud hanging over what should have been a thrilling finale to the NBA season, as Mahomes and the rest of the sports world look on.
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