“It doesn’t feel real,” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said, still wide-eyed after the final buzzer. “So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So many nights of belief.” And just like that, the Oklahoma City Thunder completed a storybook climb—one 17 years in the making. They didn’t just win Game 7 of the NBA Finals. They closed the book on one of the most dominant seasons we’ve seen, capping it with a 103–91 win over the Pacers. A team once stuck in the shadows with just 22 wins a few seasons ago now sits on top of the basketball world.

The Indiana Pacers were left with heartbreak—and for Tyrese Haliburton, it was more than just the loss. The star guard tore his Achilles in Game 7, capping off what had been a dream run with a devastating twist. But through all the pain, Haliburton had someone firmly in his corner: his girlfriend, Jade Jones. She poured her heart out on Instagram, calling the Pacers’ run “one of the best things we have ever been a part of” and reminding Haliburton just how proud she was. “You are so selfless, brave, and strong,” she wrote. “I will always be your biggest cheerleader. I will forever be so proud of you!!”

She also shared a powerful story—just a quiet moment of Haliburton sitting with his head in his hands—and captioned it, “every step of the way. a run we will remember for a lifetime. you are so amazing!” It was raw and real. Because while the scoreboard told one story, Jade’s words reminded everyone what this run meant behind the scenes.

And the love didn’t stop at Jade’s post. WNBA star Caitlin Clark, who’s built a close friendship with Haliburton through their shared rise in Indiana basketball, dropped a heartfelt comment under the post: “I love you both 🩷 so much to be proud of !!!!” The bond between Clark and Haliburton has been easy to spot all season—he showed up for her games, she sat courtside for his. They’ve cheered each other on every step of the way, and this moment was no different.

Tatiana Pritchard, wife of Pacers’ president Kevin Pritchard, also joined in with her own sweet words: “Pacers biggest cheerleader! So proud of this team!!💛🥹” Tatiana has been a constant presence courtside, fully invested in the team’s highs and lows. One moment that stood out? After the Pacers clinched the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks, Kevin Pritchard walked over and gave her a long, emotional hug—no words, just pure relief and pride. These little moments from people behind the scenes say so much about the heart of this Pacers run.

After the team’s heartbreaking loss, Tyrese Haliburton stood on crutches backstage—waiting. And as his teammates walked in, he greeted each one like the true champion he is.

Tyrese Haliburton’s injury update shakes up the East

Just seven minutes into the biggest game of his life, everything changed for Tyrese Haliburton. He was off to a hot start in Game 7—9 points on 3-of-5 shooting, drilling 3-of-4 from deep—when it all came crashing down. Haliburton drove to the basket, landed hard, and immediately pounded the court in pain, shouting “No! No!” as the arena fell silent. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the rival star, even leaned in to check on him. The 25-year-old was helped off the floor and didn’t return, later seen on crutches. Fans feared the worst. His father confirmed it. And then ESPN’s Shams Charania delivered the update: Haliburton had torn his right Achilles.

“I’m told that Tyrese Haliburton will be undergoing surgery to repair that right Achilles tendon tear very soon,” Shams reported, later adding, “The surgery is imminent, and that injury timeline will likely put him out for the entire 2025-26 NBA season. And remember, this is a player that gutted out a calf strain and ankle issues all during the NBA Finals on that same right leg in that Achilles area.” Suddenly, a promising Pacers team lost not just its Finals hopes, but potentially a full year of its superstar. Haliburton averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in 73 games (all starts) this season. Across 333 games (294 starts) with the Kings and Pacers, he holds career averages of 17.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 3.7 rebounds.

Haliburton’s grit was never in question—but now, his road to recovery becomes the next great test. And this injury doesn’t just shake the Pacers—it tilts the entire East. With Jayson Tatum already ruled out for next season and Giannis’ future uncertain, the door is wide open. Teams like the Orlando Magic are suddenly seen as legit title contenders. On The Bill Simmons Podcast, Zach Lowe posed a big question: “Is there another Bane-style move coming for a random team?” Simmons even pointed to the Atlanta Hawks as a dark horse—healthy again, with Jalen Johnson back and draft capital in hand. “Can we go get this guy, that guy?” Lowe added, suggesting Atlanta may finally make their leap. Because with Haliburton out, next season’s East might just belong to the boldest team left standing.

Through all the heartbreak, the outpouring of love for Tyrese Haliburton has been overwhelming. From Caitlin Clark and Tatiana Pritchard to NBA stars and fans worldwide, the support has been steady, loud, and full of heart.