NBA Legend Vince Carter Had Three Words After Tyrese Haliburton Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 10:26 PM ET

Game 7 of the NBA Finals started with an electric first seven minutes from Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. Having delivered heroic moments all postseason, the two-time All-Star started this game on fire, scoring nine points in seven minutes.

Coming into this game with a right calf injury, Haliburton had been playing at less than 100% healthy. This played out in the worst possible way in the first quarter, as Haliburton suffered a lower right leg injury that sent him to the ground in immense pain.

The Pacers have since announced he will not return, with ESPN's Lisa Salters reporting on the broadcast that it is indeed an achilles injury for Haliburton.

The NBA world has been sending its best wishes to Haliburton. Many shared their immediate reaction to the play, and the devastating look on the Pacers guard's face when he went to the ground.

Among those to share their thoughts was Toronto Raptors legend Vince Carter who made a post on X.

"Damn man smh," he wrote with three praying hands emojis.

Damn man smh
— Vince Carter (@mrvincecarter15) June 23, 2025

Entering Sunday, Haliburton had been averaging 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 9.0 assists this postseason. While these are impressive numbers, they do not tell the full story of his impact. The 25-year-old guard has come up with several clutch moments, hitting multiple game-winning shots and leading Indiana to improbable comebacks all postseason long.

This injury is not only devastating because it happened in a Game 7, but because of what it could mean for Haliburton's status next season as well.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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