NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)— Tyrese Haliburton transformed the Indiana Pacers into a force few anticipated after their season began with a 10-15 record.
However, reclaiming that momentum could take a while after team officials revealed on Monday that the two-time All-Star had torn his right Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the NBA Finals. This injury may jeopardize Haliburton’s availability for the entire upcoming season.
“It’s hard to put into words other than utter shock. The pain of this disappointment is beyond articulation, and the frustration is hard to fathom. I’ve dedicated my entire life for this moment, and this is how it ends? It feels senseless,” he expressed in a social media message following his surgery.
The announcement has overshadowed what was an impressive postseason run for Haliburton, showcasing a series of remarkable plays, buzzer-beaters, and record-breaking statistics that propelled the Pacers to their second appearance in the NBA Finals, just a win away from achieving the franchise’s first championship.
“An MRI conducted on Monday confirmed Haliburton’s tear in his right Achilles tendon. He will undergo surgery later today with Dr. Martin O’Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York,” the team stated.
Haliburton suffered the injury during the previous night’s game in Oklahoma City. The MRI results were confirmed today, and surgery is set for later.
Following his procedure, Haliburton conveyed a heartfelt message on social media.
“The pain of this letdown is indescribable,” Haliburton remarked. “The level of frustration is incomprehensible. I have put in years of effort to reach this moment, and this is how it concludes? It truly doesn’t make sense.”
“I’m confident that I will emerge from this as a better man and a better player. And honestly, even now, despite my torn Achilles, I have no regrets. I would go through it all over again to fight for this city and my teammates for a chance at something extraordinary.”
Coach Rick Carlisle remains optimistic that Haliburton will fully recover, whenever that may be.
“He will return,” Carlisle commented following the Pacers’ 103-91 defeat in Oklahoma City. “I have no updates on the medical specifics, but he will come back, and I am optimistic about his full recovery.”
Haliburton’s presence undeniably strengthens the Pacers. Their journey would have been significantly different without his leadership, especially as he orchestrated remarkable comebacks from seven-point deficits in the final moments of regulation multiple times in recent weeks.
Yet, after scoring nine quick points, all from beyond the arc, in the initial minutes of the franchise’s most crucial game, Haliburton’s unexpected fall and exit added an emotional blow for Indiana.
They not only lost their captain but also saw their title aspirations dashed—yet again.
“We continued to fight because we wanted to make Indiana proud and honor our fans,” remarked three-time All-Star Pascal Siakam. “We gave it our all, but we need to stay resilient. It’s difficult to look ahead after a loss like this.”
However, the future remains a topic of discussion, and Haliburton’s status will likely complicate the offseason for Pacers president of basketball operations, Kevin Pritchard.
There are some positive aspects, though.
At just 25, Haliburton is young enough to potentially regain his pre-injury capabilities, and advances in medical science might expedite his recovery time, which is projected to be around 12 months.
Haliburton’s significant Achilles injury casts a shadow over an otherwise talented and promising Indiana roster.
Many athletes, some significantly older than Haliburton, have effectively returned from torn Achilles tendons, and Siakam is confident that Haliburton will join those ranks.
“I believe good things are ahead for him; it’s just a challenging situation,” Siakam reflected. “I think back to a few years ago when basketball was no longer enjoyable for me. Then I was traded here, and these teammates brought me a renewed sense of joy and a boost. Playing alongside them has been incredible; I’ve found happiness and confidence.”
That happiness is unlikely to wane regardless of Haliburton’s status, as his vibrant and infectious personality, even in tough times, will remain a vital asset for Indiana. Players like Siakam will ensure they maintain that spirit.
Next season, the team will also keep a formidable supporting cast while having opportunities to improve their defense.
Indiana’s extensive rotation consistently exhausted playoff adversaries with its fast-paced style, a strategy they could repeat next season, just as they have done in the previous two seasons, even during Haliburton’s absence.
Nine of the Pacers’ top ten players are signed for the 2025-26 season, with starting center Myles Turner being the only exception. Indiana’s longest-tenured player has a projected cap hold just under $30 million, meaning that retaining him would allow the team to stay under the first apron on salary.
The Pacers boast strong guard play from Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell, who can manage the floor, along with up-and-coming defender Ben Sheppard.
Aaron Nesmith and Bennedict Mathurin also showcased their scoring capabilities during the postseason. Both proved they could defend against guards and forwards, providing Indiana with the toughness and versatility to withstand Haliburton’s absence.
Additionally, the absence of Haliburton could lead to increased playing time for younger talents such as Mathurin, Sheppard, and Jarace Walker, a lottery pick from 2023.
For now, however, the prospect of vying for a championship while Haliburton may miss a significant portion, if not all, of the next season remains hard to accept.
“Many of us felt the pain of the loss, yet he took the time to console us. That’s just who Tyrese Haliburton is,” McConnell remarked. “He’s simply the best.”
