Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has released his first statement since suffering a right torn Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the Pacers’ NBA Finals loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday (June 22).
The 25-year-old athlete took to his various social media pages to update fans, sharing a snap of him being treated in the hospital alongside a lengthy breakdown of his mental and physical state since sustaining the injury that killed the Pacers’ shot at victory.
“Man. Don’t know how to explain it other than shock,” Haliburton began. “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 goes on, “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 sh*t 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 sh*t out without y’all seeing the kid ugly cry.”
Tyrese Haliburton (0) of Indiana Pacers in action against Oklahoma City Thunder during NBA Finals game 7 between Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on June 22, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States. (Photo by Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Haliburton goes on to say that he knows he’ll, “come out on the other side of this a better man and a better player,” adding that he doesn’t regret the injury because he sustained it while fighting for his city. He goes on to apologize to the state of Indiana for not securing the chip.
“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 wraps up the note by quoting scripture: “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.”
See the NBA baller’s full statement below.
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