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Pacers' Finals Run Cut Short by Haliburton Injury

1/1/2026

39 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Indiana Pacers reached the 2025 NBA Finals as the No. 4 seed, beating the Bucks, Cavaliers, and Knicks.
Tyrese Haliburton starred for the Pacers before an Achilles injury in Game 7 vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder ended their run.
Cade Cunningham led the Detroit Pistons to a strong season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder emerged as a top player, winning the championship and MVP, amid a season of injuries.

History

Historical Context

In 1976, the NBA merged with the ABA, incorporating four teams, including the Denver Nuggets and New Jersey Nets, which significantly enhanced the league's competitiveness and talent pool. This merger marked a pivotal moment in basketball history, setting the stage for future growth and the emergence of teams like the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, reflecting ongoing competitive dynamics in the league.

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Story summary

The Indiana Pacers reached the 2025 NBA Finals as the No. 4 seed, beating the Bucks, Cavaliers, and Knicks.
Tyrese Haliburton starred for the Pacers before an Achilles injury in Game 7 vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder ended their run.
Cade Cunningham led the Detroit Pistons to a strong season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder emerged as a top player, winning the championship and MVP, amid a season of injuries.

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