The heartbreaking Pacers’ NBA Finals game etched in Tyrese Haliburton’s brain, and it’s not Game 7

Last season was a difficult one for Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers, as the franchise's star was forced to miss the entire season after suffering a season-ending injury during Game 7 of the 2024-25 NBA Finals. At last, losing their championship hopes was a heartbreaking moment for the Pacers, but for Haliburton, the loss in Game 4 was even more painful.

Haliburton and the Pacers made an impressive start to the NBA Finals, taking a 2-1 series lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder and putting themselves in a strong position to extend their advantage. However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a remarkable fourth-quarter performance that helped the Thunder secure the victory and level the series.

For Haliburton, the loss became a moment that would remain etched in his memory for years to come.

“Game 4 will forever live in my brain,” Haliburton said according to ESPN. “You win that game, the whole series changes.”

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 15 of his 35 points in the final 4:38 of the game. Meanwhile, Haliburton finished the game with 18 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Winning that game could have moved Indiana one step closer to its championship dream.

Haliburton's difficult experience continued throughout the 2025-26 season, as he watched his teammates struggle without him. The Pacers ultimately finished the season with a disappointing 19-63 record.

Haliburton explained how spending an entire season away from the court made the offseason feel much longer than usual.

Article Continues Below

“Everybody always feels the summer is really long,” Haliburton said. “Well, I've had that for double, triple the amount of time everybody else has.”

However, the Pacers star returned to the court in Indiana's preseason opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, recording seven points, six rebounds, two blocks and one steal in 16 minutes of action.

The Pacers are now preparing to face the Thunder in their next preseason game. However, Indiana has yet to confirm whether the star point guard will suit up against Oklahoma City.