Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is speaking out for the first time since suffering a devastating Achilles tear during Game 7 of the NBA Finals — a moment that abruptly ended what had been a breakthrough postseason for the young guard.
In a raw and emotional message shared on social media, Haliburton described his feelings in the wake of the injury, writing, "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."
The All-Star went on to share that while the physical toll has been difficult, the mental strain has been even heavier. "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 cliché lol. This s** sucks. My foot feels like dead weight, fam. But what’s hurting most, I think, is my mind."* He added, "It feels good to let this s** out without y’all seeing the kid ugly cry."*
Despite the heartbreak, Haliburton made it clear that he has no regrets: "I'd do it again, and again after that, to fight for this city and for my brothers. For the chance to do something special." He also offered a heartfelt apology to Pacers fans, saying, "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."
In closing, Haliburton expressed gratitude despite the difficult circumstances: "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 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," he told fans. "I’ll dust myself off and get right back to being the best version of Tyrese Haliburton."
Source: Instagram
