Tyrese Haliburton’s postseason journey came to a gut-wrenching halt, as the Indiana Pacers’ dynamic floor general suffered a devastating Achilles tear in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
NBA Community Rallies Around Haliburton After Emotional Social Media Post
Just hours after surgery, Haliburton took to social media from his hospital bed and didn’t pull any punches. The 25-year-old described the moment his Achilles gave out early in Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, calling the feeling “unfathomable.”
However, it wasn’t just the physical pain that hit hard. Haliburton admitted the mental toll was even heavier.
“Words cannot express the pain of this letdown,” he wrote. “My foot feels like dead weight, fam. But what’s hurting most, I think, is my mind.”
Yet, he vowed to bounce back in true competitor fashion.
“Watch how I come back from this,” he added. “Give me some time, I’ll dust myself off and get right back to being the best version of Tyrese Haliburton.”
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.
Now that I’ve gotten surgery, I wish I could count the… pic.twitter.com/UyY0iFEp6Z
Tyrese Haliburton (@TyHaliburton22) June 24, 2025
Throughout the Finals, Haliburton had been battling a nagging calf injury sustained in Game 5. Refusing to sit on the sidelines, he laced up for Game 6 and played a pivotal role in pushing the series to a dramatic Game 7.
Even after aggravating his injury, Haliburton expressed zero regrets.
“Honestly, right now, torn Achilles and all, I don’t regret it,” he wrote. “I’d do it again, and again after that, to fight for this city and for my brothers.”
Haliburton’s heart and hustle were on full display all season. He averaged 18.6 points and 9.2 assists per contest, orchestrating Indiana’s offense with poise and flair. When the lights shone brightest in the playoffs, he elevated his game, delivering clutch buckets and timely dimes during the Pacers’ Cinderella run to their first Finals appearance since 2000.
Widespread Support Pours In From Players and Fans
The NBA community’s outpouring of support was immediate and overwhelming. Fans and fellow players filled social media with tributes to Haliburton’s toughness and warrior spirit.
Shit man 😔 https://t.co/kdnkWJz8RA
– Jack Simone (@JackSimoneNBA) June 24, 2025
“I don’t have to go through this, I get to go through this = the best expression of all time,” one fan wrote, quoting the Pacers star.
“I don’t have to go through this, I get to go through this” = the best expression of all time https://t.co/yuA3Y6D6P4
– Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) June 24, 2025
Another added, “Unbelievable fighter & warrior. Get well soon, Hali❤️‼”
One rival fan reflected on Haliburton’s impact: “Watching your playoff run was a great time. Prayers for you. Injuries suck. I can’t wait to hate the shit out of you again when you and Dame are both healthy and facing off against my beloved Bucks.”
“You went out there to fight for your team and achieve a lifelong dream,” another fan wrote. “Nothing but respect for you. You gave the basketball world unbeatable moments these playoffs that’ll be remembered forever.”
The injury occurred during the first quarter as Haliburton was attempting to drive to the basket. He immediately went down and was visibly emotional, pounding the floor before being helped to the locker room.
The Pacers, who trailed by just one point when their star guard exited, were unable to overcome his absence as the Thunder pulled away for a 103-91 victory and their first NBA championship.
Haliburton’s postseason may have ended in heartbreak, but his message shows his fight is far from over.
