Latest news with #Pacers'Finals
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Brian Windhorst reveals what Tyrese Haliburton ‘won' despite Pacers' NBA Finals loss
The post Brian Windhorst reveals what Tyrese Haliburton 'won' despite Pacers' NBA Finals loss appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Indiana Pacers' storybook 2025 postseason run ended in heartbreak Sunday night with a 103–91 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. It marked the franchise's first Finals appearance since 2000 and concluded a remarkable stretch that saw Indiana defy expectations and reach the championship stage despite entering the playoffs as underdogs. Advertisement The loss was compounded by a devastating first-quarter injury to star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who tore his Achilles just seven minutes into the game. At the time of the injury, Haliburton had already scored nine points and appeared poised to deliver a signature performance on the league's biggest stage. His early exit proved costly, as the Pacers struggled offensively in his absence and were unable to keep pace with the Thunder. Despite the somber ending, Haliburton drew praise across the NBA for his playoff performance and the composure he displayed throughout the postseason. On Tuesday's episode of First Take, ESPN's Brian Windhorst offered a heartfelt reflection on what Haliburton had still 'won,' even as Indiana fell short of the title. 'Tyrese, I know that you did not win this game and I know that you are facing a long recovery,' Windhorst said. 'But you did win something: You won over millions of new fans because if you didn't know Tyrese Haliburton and the type of player he is and the type of clutch player he is, you know him now after seeing those shots.' Tyrese Haliburton's standout postseason earned league-wide respect despite the Pacers' Finals loss © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Haliburton had averaged 17.3 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game throughout the 2025 NBA Playoffs and had been instrumental in the Pacers' victories over the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks. His high basketball IQ, elite passing, and timely shot-making were central to Indiana's deep run. Advertisement Windhorst emphasized that Haliburton's reputation around the league had also reached new heights. 'The second thing is you won over the respect of everybody in this league because I'm watching on social media as all of these players are reacting to seeing this moment,' Windhorst said. 'They all respect what you did… Tyrese may have not gotten a championship, but he made a statement for the rest of his life the way he handled himself in this situation and over the last two months.' The Thunder, led by league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, capitalized on the Pacers' misfortune and delivered a strong second half to secure the franchise's first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City. Gilgeous-Alexander finished Game 7 with 29 points and was named Finals MVP. Windhorst concluded by noting Haliburton's early rhythm in Game 7 and how it could have altered the outcome. Advertisement 'One of the biggest, heartbreaking things about this whole situation is he was playing great,' Windhorst added. 'I hate to say it, but he might've scored 40 points in this game… we'll never know.' Though the Pacers fell short of the title, Haliburton's emergence as a franchise cornerstone and respected league figure remained one of the defining stories of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Related: Paul George makes suggestion after Tyrese Haliburton injury Related: Rick Carlisle breaks silence on Myles Turner's free agency
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
What Myles Turner is going to ‘miss' after heartbreaking end to Pacers' Finals run
The post What Myles Turner is going to 'miss' after heartbreaking end to Pacers' Finals run appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Indiana Pacers improbably got within one game of winning an NBA Championship, but they fell just short of their dream on Sunday night. In a crushing loss for more reasons than one, the Oklahoma City Thunder took Game 7 of the NBA Finals 103-91 and lifted the Larry O'Brien Trophy in front of their home fans. Advertisement Big man Myles Turner has been a staple of this Pacers organization for a decade now, and he would have loved nothing more than to bring a title to Indiana. After the loss, he reflected on what he is going to miss most about this team and its run to the NBA Finals, via The Athletic. 'It was special,' Turner said. 'Just everything we've been through to get to this point, everything that went into it … a journey at that. We talk about the process a lot, not necessarily the end goal, but the process. I'm going to miss the process of this group.' There is a good chance that Turner will not be in Indiana next season, as the Texas product will be a free agent in just a few weeks. He certainly earned himself a raise over the last two months during the postseason with lights-out shooting and great rim protection during the first three rounds of the playoffs. However, it will be interesting to see what number the Pacers are willing to play Turner. The 10-year veteran did not play his best in the NBA Finals and was constantly overwhelmed guarding on the perimeter and dealing with the physicality of the Thunder inside. His shooting touch evaporated as well, leading to some pretty ugly performances. Advertisement No matter what happens with Turner this summer, he will be remembered as a Pacers legend for the rest of his career. He has constantly been in trade rumors for the majority of his career, but he and the Pacers have stayed together the entire time. Over the last two years, that patience from both sides was rewarded with runs to the Eastern Conference Finals and the NBA Finals. However, with Tyrese Haliburton's injury casting a dark cloud over the 2025-26 season, the Pacers have some very difficult decisions to make this offseason starting with Turner. Related: Shams confirms Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles tear in NBA Finals Game 7 Related: Pacers rumors: Will Indiana still be willing to pay luxury tax after Tyrese Haliburton injury?
