When Tyrese Haliburton went down with a non-contact Achilles injury just minutes into Game 7 of the NBA Finals, the basketball world’s attention shifted instantly from the championship stakes to the well-being of one of the league’s most exciting young stars.

The outpouring of support from NBA legends, current players, and fans across the globe underscored just how much Haliburton has come to mean to the sport.

Shock and sympathy flood social media

The reaction was immediate and emotional. LeBron James, one of the game’s greatest icons, expressed his heartbreak in raw terms, posting “F---!!!!!!!!” and a prayer emoji on X moments after the injury.

His message was quickly echoed by other NBA stars, including Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson, and Trae Young, all of whom sent prayers, well-wishes, and words of encouragement to Haliburton and the Pacers. Even NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes joined the chorus, highlighting how Haliburton’s injury resonated beyond just basketball.

Former players and analysts also chimed in, with Dwyane Wade tweeting, “No one deserves this. Praying for a full recovery for Tyrese.” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Malika Andrews both noted the stunned silence that fell over Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the broader NBA community.

A league united in support

What was most striking was the sense of unity and empathy that swept across the league. Rival players who had battled Haliburton on the court this postseason, including Thunder MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, expressed their sorrow and respect.

“You never want to see that, especially not in a moment like this,” Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame. “He’s one of the best in the league and a great competitor. The whole league is behind him right now.”

Pacers teammates, visibly shaken, spoke after the game about how much Haliburton means to their team and city. Pascal Siakam called him “the heart and soul of our group,” while Myles Turner told reporters, “We’re going to rally around him, he’s family.”

Fans responded in kind, flooding social media with messages of support and starting hashtags like #PrayForTyrese and #ComeBackStronger. Many shared highlights of Haliburton’s best moments, expressing both heartbreak and hope for his recovery.

The Indiana fanbase, in particular, made their presence felt, with many promising to stand by their star through his rehab and return.

More than a game

The overwhelming reaction to Haliburton’s injury was a powerful reminder that, for all the intensity and rivalry of the NBA Finals, the league is a close-knit community. In the face of adversity, players, coaches, and fans set aside competition to support one of their own.

As Haliburton begins his road to recovery, he does so with the backing of an entire basketball family—proof that, in the NBA, compassion and solidarity matter just as much as championships.