Tyrese Haliburton’s dream run with the Indiana Pacers came to a crushing halt in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The 24-year-old Pacers guard suffered a non-contact injury midway through the first quarter while attempting to drive past Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Consequently, Haliburton was ruled out of the remainder of the game, and the Pacers ultimately lost the Finals matchup. While fans were still processing the shocking moment, Victor Oladipo, who has played for both the Pacers and Thunder, didn’t hold back in questioning the system and culture that normalizes career-threatening injuries as part of the sport.
Victor Oladipo Reacts With Passionate Plea for Player Safety Post Tyrese Haliburton Injury
Haliburton injured an area already plagued by calf issues in recent weeks. Early reports confirmed it as an Achilles injury. 33-year-old veteran guard Oladipo, himself once shined in Indiana before a series of injuries derailed his All-NBA career, posted a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter).
“In the Finals? So we just going keep playing right? Like it’s okay right? Like it ain’t happen huh? Like this is just part of it, right?” Oladipo wrote. “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.”
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
In a follow-up post, Oladipo clarified that his frustration wasn’t directed at any individual or organization but rather the collective complacency in the league’s approach to athlete health.
“…Behind these words you can’t see me so let me say this “it isn’t anyone’s fault!” There just should be a conscious and collective effort at a resolution we don’t have to be ok with it and just make it a norm. We all want to see the players and the best players healthy and playing at a highest level so why not try to work towards a resolve.”
Also one last thing I know people read social and have a negative response because you can’t see my demeanor or tone behind these words And because they lack the intelligence emotionally they think a passionate response is negative or trying to blame or attack someone or…
— Victor Oladipo (@VicOladipo) June 23, 2025
His words carried the weight of lived experience. Oladipo, who made the All-NBA Third Team and All-Defensive First Team in 2018, saw his prime cut short by a ruptured quad tendon and other lingering issues.
Since then, he’s bounced around the league, struggling to regain form and consistent minutes. Haliburton’s injury seemed to strike a personal chord, with Oladipo drawing parallels to the broader pattern of stars falling victim to wear and tear during deep postseason runs.
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As Haliburton writhed in pain at center court, one of the first to rush over wasn’t a Pacers teammate but Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The act of sportsmanship resonated with fans and players alike.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Postgame Words For Haliburton
Speaking on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt after the game, Gilgeous-Alexander reflected on the moment.
“Yeah, it was sad,” he said. “I couldn’t imagine playing in the biggest game of my life. Playing for everything I’ve ever dreamed of. The highest stage. Game 7 of the NBA Finals, and something unfortunate like that happens. It’s unfair. I feel bad for him. I pray for him. Wish him the best of luck. He’s a hell of a player.”
“[Tyrese Haliburton’s] future is super bright. He can do whatever he wants with this league.”
—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Hali’s Game 7 injury. @notthefakesvp pic.twitter.com/9qLzqE67Pv
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 23, 2025
The Thunder guard, who scored a team-high 34 points in the win, also praised Haliburton’s future, calling him a “super bright” talent who can “do whatever he wants in this league.”
Though the Thunder claimed their first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City, the night was stained by the injury to one of the league’s brightest young stars.
