Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Throughout the Indiana Pacers' 2025 NBA playoffs, Tyrese Haliburton wore his emotions on his sleeve. That same approach stood true after a gut-wrenching torn Achilles sidelined him with five minutes remaining in a win-or-go-home Game 7 in the NBA finals.
While Haliburton was among the first people to greet his teammates outside of the locker room after their 103-91 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, his injury was a brutal blow the Pacers simply couldn't overcome.
Haliburton, already playing through a strained calf, suffered the torn Achilles just over halfway through the opening quarter on Sunday, June 22. He was off to a hot start in Game 7, having already knocked down three shots from three-point range as the Pacers were going blow-for-blow with the Western Conference's No. 1 seed.
Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers sustains an injury during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals. Justin Ford/Getty Images Justin Ford/Getty Images
Haliburton's first comments on the injury came on social media, with the 25-year-old guard posting a lengthy and candid message on X.
"Man. Don't know how to explain it other than shock. Words cannot express the pain of this letdown. The frustration is unfathomable. I've worked my whole life to get to this moment and this is how it ends? Makes no sense," Haliburton wrote.
"Now that I've gotten surgery, I wish I could count the number of times people will tell me I'm going to "come back stronger". What a cliche lol, this (obscenity) sucks. My foot feels like dead weight fam. But what's hurting most I think is my mind. Feel like I'm rambling, but I know this is something I'll look back on when I'm through this, as something I'm proud I fought through. It feels good to let this s--- out without y'all seeing the kid ugly cry."
"At 25, I've already learned that God never gives us more than we can handle. I know I'll come out on the other side of this a better man and a better player. And honestly, right now, torn Achilles and all, I don't regret it. I'd do it again, and again after that, to fight for this city and my brothers. For the chance to do something special."
The post included a message to the Indiana Pacers' fanbase and a message in which he quoted the late Kobe Bryant.
"Indy, I'm sorry. If any fan base doesn't deserve this, it's y'all. But together we are going to fight like hell to get back to this very spot, and get over this hurdle. I don't doubt for a second that y'all have my back, and I hope you guys know that I have yours. I think Kobe said it best when in this same situation. 'There are far greater issues/challenges in the world then a torn achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.' And that's exactly right. I will do everything in my power to get back right."
"My journey to get to where I am today wasn't by happenstance, I've pushed myself every day to be great. And I will continue to do just that. The most important part of this all, is that I'm grateful. I'm grateful for every single experience that's led me here. I'm grateful for all the love from the hoop world. I don't "have to" go through this, I get to go through this. I'm grateful for the road that lies ahead. Watch how I come back from this. So, give me some time, I'll dust myself off and get right back to being the best version of Tyrese Haliburton."
"Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
2025 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.