With Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton wincing on the floor in pain, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked over to console his opponent.
Haliburton exited Game 7 of the NBA Finals midway through the first quarter after suffering a reported Achilles tendon injury, being helped to the locker room by teammates in the 103-91 loss.
“You just hate to see it in sports in general, but in this moment, my heart dropped for him,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I couldn’t imagine playing the biggest game of my life and something like that happening. It’s not fair. But competition isn’t fair sometimes.”
Shai made sure to check on Hali after he went down with an injury 👏
Brutal end to Tyrese’s incredible playoff run. pic.twitter.com/tzO3K6i9vP
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 23, 2025
Following the loss, Haliburton was seen on crutches, greeting teammates outside the Pacers locker room.
“I just felt so bad for him,” Gilgeous-Alexander continued. “Just asked if he was OK. Obviously, he wasn’t. Prayers go out to him, for sure. Hell of a player. Future is bright. That team is going to be really good for a long time. Yeah, impressive team, impressive player. Wish him the best of luck.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Tyrese Haliburton’s injury:
“You just hate to see it in sports in general, but in this moment, my heart dropped for him. I couldn’t imagine playing the biggest game of my life and something like that happening. It’s not fair. But competition isn’t fair… pic.twitter.com/p0cestY8y4
— Jordan Davis (@thejordancdavis) June 23, 2025
Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jordan? He can be reached at jdavis@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @thejordancdavis. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Jordan’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander consoled Tyrese Haliburton after injury
