Tyrese Haliburton Releases Emotional Statement After Heartbreaking Injury During NBA Finals

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has released an emotional statement after sustaining a devastating torn right Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the NBA Finals—an injury that will likely sideline the Olympic Gold Medalist for the entire 2025-2026 season.

On Instagram, Haliburton shared a lengthy post, addressing his fans and supporters after the Pacers' loss and speaking about his journey moving forward.

“Man. Don’t know how to explain it other than shock,” the 25-year-old 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 further stated, “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," he added. "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.”

Days before Haliburton's game-ending Achilles tear, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle had addressed Haliburton's separate right calf injury, saying he'd be "carefully evaluated" and "listed as questionable" for Game 6 of the series.

"We have to prepare for two scenarios, one where he plays and one where he does not," Carlisle said.

Haliburton also addressed the concerns about his health before Game 6, telling reporters that if he could "walk," then "I want to play."

In his statement after his surgery, Haliburton said he didn't regret his decision to play. "I'd do it again, and again after that, to fight for this city and my brothers," he wrote.

Later, in his post, Haliburton apologized to the state of Indiana, writing, "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."

He added, "I don’t doubt for a second that y’all have my back, and I hope you guys know that I have yours."

Following Game 7, Haliburton's teammates spoke with the media about his injury, with point guard T.J. McConnell admitting the team was "shaken up."

“It’s hard to [set that aside] when you see your guy go down like that and have to move on right away and finish the game, especially when it’s that early," he said, before revealing that the team greeted Haliburton with hugs and support during halftime.

In another moment, Haliburton's teammate Pascal Siakam praised the NBA player his "selfless" spirit. "He's going through some tough times, and he looked out for us, and he wanted to be there for us," he said.

"It just shows his character and who he is as a player, and one of the big reasons I'm here," Siakam added.

And they weren't the only high-profile athletes offering support to Haliburton.

On X, formerly Twitter, LeBron James wrote, "F-CK!!!!!" alongside prayer hand emojis.

Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes echoed that sentiment, writing, "Prayers up man."

Haliburton's girlfriend, Jade Jones, also shared a message of support for her partner on social media, saying she'd be alongside him "every step of the way."

In another post, she called the ending of the Pacers' season "bittersweet," before calling the team "SO special."

"This season has made such a special imprint on my heart," she wrote. "One of the best things we have ever been a part of!!! Just know how much it meant to all of us."

She then shifted her focus back to Haliburton, celebrating him for the happiness he brought Indiana fans during the season.

"You have been nothing short of amazing. You are so selfless, brave, and strong!" she added.

She continued, "I will always be your biggest cheerleader," before saying she was trusting in "God's plan" for their future together.

"My superstar, I love you," she finished.