Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton suffered a devastating Achilles injury in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 22 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The severity of the injury was evident the moment Haliburton collapsed to the floor while driving to the basket in the first quarter. He immediately pounded the court in frustration and stayed down as nearly the entire Pacers team rushed to his side, as ESPN reported.
"An MRI taken on Monday confirmed that Haliburton tore his right Achilles tendon. Surgery is scheduled later today with Dr. Martin O'Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York," the Indiana Pacers confirmed in a statement shared Monday.
Haliburton took to social media to share a post-surgery update, highlighting the reality of such a heartbreaking injury.
"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," he wrote.
Achilles injuries are typically season-ending and rank among the most serious setbacks for athletes, affecting explosiveness, mobility, and long-term performance, according to SportsMD.
"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 (obscenity) 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," Haliburton shared.
In the social media post, he shares a photo of him from a hospital bed making a heart with his hands.
"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," he wrote.
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