Indiana Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton has no regrets about pushing to win an NBA title, even after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon during the NBA Finals.
The 25-year-old, who underwent surgery in New York on Monday, shared a heartfelt message on X from his hospital bed, expressing his profound disappointment but unwavering commitment to his team and city.
“Man, I don’t know how to explain it other than shock. Words cannot express the pain of this letdown. The frustration is unfathomable,” Haliburton wrote, lamenting the sudden end to his season.
He had been playing with a calf strain in Sunday’s decisive Game 7 of the NBA Finals against Oklahoma City. He collapsed, untouched by pain, about seven minutes into the contest, which the Thunder ultimately won to claim the championship.
Despite the severe injury, Haliburton affirmed his dedication. “Honestly, right now, torn Achilles and all, I don’t regret it,” he stated. “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 had been averaging an NBA-best 9.0 assists and 17.7 points per game in the playoffs, spearheading the Pacers’ quest for their first NBA crown.
He extended an apology to Pacers fans, writing, “Indy, I’m sorry. If any fan base doesn’t deserve this, it’s y’all.”
Credit: Bleacher Report
He promised a strong return: “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.”
Haliburton acknowledged the common encouragement to “come back stronger,” calling it a cliché, but admitted the mental toll of the injury. “My foot feels like a dead weight. But what’s hurting most, I think, is my mind,” he shared, adding that he found solace in expressing his feelings.
He drew inspiration from late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who faced a similar Achilles injury.
“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,” Haliburton quoted Bryant.
He concluded with determination, “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.”
Despite the lack of a specific recovery timeline, typically a full season for such an injury, Haliburton remains resolute: “I’m grateful for the road that lies ahead. Watch how I come back from this.”
