Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton breaks silence after rupturing Achilles tendon: “It doesn’t make sense...”

The Oklahoma City Thunder claimed their first-ever NBA championship by defeating the Indiana Pacers 4–3 in the 2025 Finals, lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time since the franchise moved to Oklahoma City.

Haliburton sidelined indefinitely

A pivotal moment in the decisive Game 7 came early, when Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton went down with an injury midway through the first quarter.

“Man. Don’t know how to explain it other than shock,” the star wrote alongside a photo of him on a hospital bed. “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.”

An MRI on Monday confirmed that Haliburton tore his right Achilles tendon. He underwent surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, performed by Dr. Martin O’Malley.

“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 shit sucks,” he continued. “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 had been battling a calf injury that worsened during Game 5, but saw improvement ahead of Game 6 and started strong, hitting three early three-pointers.

“Indy, I’m sorry. If any fan base doesn’t deserve this, it’s y’all,” he continued. “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.”

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