Imagine facing a career-altering injury in the NBA Finals and making a tough choice. Tyrese Haliburton lived it, then called a fellow superstar who’d been there: Kevin Durant. Their conversation about pushing through pain for a championship might surprise you. What would you do in that high-stakes moment?
The 2025 NBA Finals brought a devastating setback for Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers, a “tragedy” that significantly impacted their championship aspirations. The critical turning point occurred in Game 5 when Haliburton sustained a right calf strain, an injury many believe directly contributed to his subsequent Achilles tear later in the series. This grave situation forced the young star to confront a difficult decision regarding playing through pain.
In the immediate aftermath of his initial calf injury and MRI results, Haliburton sought counsel from a fellow NBA superstar intimately familiar with such a plight: Kevin Durant. During a recent podcast appearance, Haliburton recounted phoning Durant specifically to ask if he regretted playing through the injury that led to his own devastating Achilles tear in 2019. Durant’s unequivocal “No, not at all” response provided Haliburton with the validation he sought, solidifying his resolve.
The series against a formidable opponent was deadlocked at 2-2 as Game 5 commenced at Paycom Center, a pivotal moment for both teams. It was here that Haliburton tweaked his right calf, an injury typically requiring several weeks of recovery. Despite the medical implications, the Indiana Pacers’ leader was already mentally committed to continuing, yet Durant’s guidance proved to be exactly the reassurance he desired regarding playing through injury.
Kevin Durant’s own journey mirrored Haliburton’s unfortunate experience. Back in the 2019 NBA Finals, while playing for the Golden State Warriors, Durant was grappling with a calf strain. He reinjured it in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals, missing several subsequent games before an ill-fated return in Game 5 of the Finals against the Toronto Raptors. This valiant but ultimately tragic comeback resulted in a season-ending Achilles injury, sidelining him for the entire following season.
While some athletes might have opted for caution, choosing not to risk further harm, both Durant and Haliburton exhibited an unwavering commitment to their teams. Durant, in particular, harbors no regrets about his choices, a sentiment he openly shared with Haliburton. This perspective underscores the immense pressure and dedication involved when competing for an NBA championship, where personal sacrifice often takes precedence over player welfare.
Tyrese Haliburton, too, maintains that he wouldn’t alter his decision even with the benefit of hindsight, despite facing a challenging recovery period. The prospect of spending the next season undergoing intensive Achilles rehabilitation does not diminish his conviction. For both Haliburton and Durant, the drive to secure an NBA championship superseded concerns about personal injury, showcasing their competitive fire and dedication to basketball.
The good news, however, offers a beacon of hope for Tyrese Haliburton. Kevin Durant has made a full and remarkable recovery from his Achilles injury, returning to his elite form as if the setback never occurred. If Haliburton follows a similar rigorous rehabilitation path, the Indiana Pacers can anticipate his swift return to the court, ready to reclaim their prominent position at the top of the Eastern Conference and continue their quest for an NBA title.
