Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals was meant to be a night of epic basketball. But before the first basket was even scored, fans were already split, and it had nothing to do with the scoreboard.
The division started with ESPN’s controversial handling of the national anthem. Throughout the series, viewers had blasted the network for a range of choices; from featuring Stephen A. Smith to skipping the anthem entirely during Game 3. But for Game 7, ESPN tried to set things right, broadcasting the anthem sung by Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth.
And yet, even that didn’t land smoothly with everyone.
“ESPN airing the National Anthem and the starting lineup introductions was a great touch,” one fan wrote on X. “It takes the excitement level to a whole nother level, especially for Game 7 of the NBA Finals.” Another statement read, “That anthem was amazing!”
But not all responses were glowing. Some fans found Chenoweth’s rendition to be a dramatic miss.
“Fergie rests easy tonight knowing she no longer has the worst National Anthem performance in the NBA,” someone joked, recalling the singer’s infamous 2018 attempt. “I get she is from OKC but they was wild. lol.”
Still, for others, the decision to bring back the anthem at all was a win. “Adding the national anthem + player introductions is such a W. Never should’ve stopped in the first place, but it’s a W nonetheless,” a fan shared.
I don’t know who’s singing the national anthem on the NBA Finals right now but she is horrible. If this is the best the NBA can do they’re in trouble.
— pinkunicorns (@lesshate255352) June 23, 2025
Then, just seven minutes into the first quarter, the atmosphere shifted completely.
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton had come out hot, draining three 3-pointers and putting pressure on the defense. But as he drove toward the basket, his right leg suddenly gave out. On live TV, viewers saw the moment his right heel popped. Haliburton collapsed, clutching his leg in visible pain, tears streaming down his face.
Play stopped. Silence filled the arena.
Medical staff rushed to him as teammates and coaches gathered around. Eventually, Haliburton was helped off the court, unable to put any weight on his right side. His departure cast a shadow over the rest of the game.
The reaction was swift. LeBron James captured the collective shock in one unfiltered word on X, “F—!!!!!!!!”
Win or lose, Tyrese Haliburton’s 2025 postseason includes some of the most miraculous basketball moments we’ve ever seen. The resounding image of him should be this one and not the one of him on the floor in tears tonight. pic.twitter.com/xP9X3VSFy3
— Anand Nanduri (@NanduriNFL) June 23, 2025
Haliburton had been nursing a calf injury since Game 5. Despite the risks, he has been committed to finishing the series on the court. “If I can walk, then I want to play,” he told reporters after Game 5.
But the gamble proved costly. The Pacers later ruled him out for the remainder of the game with a lower leg injury, leaving the crowd in stunned silence and the basketball world rallying around one of the brightest stars of the Finals.
Scroll down to catch some snaps.
