The NBA Finals ended heartbreakingly for the Indiana Pacers, as they fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder and lost star Tyrese Haliburton due to a torn Achilles.
Haliburton sustained the injury in Sunday’s Game 7 and had surgery on Monday. Following the procedure, the [Pacers guard posted a photo of himself in a hospital bed](https://x.com/TyHaliburton22/status/1937344254507978938) making a heart with his hands, along with a long message.
“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 (expletive) 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 (expletive) 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 added. “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 (Bryant) said it best when in this same situation. ‘There are far greater issues/challenges in the world than 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,” he concluded.
Story continues below advertisement
Haliburton went down in the first quarter of the game, falling to the floor after attempting to push off his right leg and drive to the basket. He remained on the ground, yelling in pain, and had to be helped off the court.
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum also suffered Achilles injuries this season.
Story continues below advertisement
Featured image via Kyle Terada/Imagn Images