Tyrese Haliburton makes first comments since Achilles injury

Tyrese Haliburton shared his first public comments Monday night since he tore his Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals a night prior.

“Man. Don’t know how to explain it other than shock,” Haliburton posted on X. “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.

“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 s–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 shit out without y’all seeing the kid ugly cry.”

While trying to drive to the rim in the first quarter, Haliburton crumpled to the ground in pain and began screaming and slapping the floor.

He was helped off the court and was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game, which the Pacers lost, 103-91, in Oklahoma City as the Thunder won the championship.

The severity of the injury was confirmed Monday morning.

“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.

“Indy, I’m sorry,” Haliburton continued. “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 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.”

Haliburton, who had nine points when he excited had been dealing with a calf strain in his right leg, the same in which he tore his Achilles.

But he decided to play, and it ended up costing him possibly all of next season.

“My journey to get to where I am today wasn’t by happenstance, I’ve pushed myself every day to be great,” Haliburton said. “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.”