Pacers’ Haliburton would play hurt ‘again and again after that’ after tearing Achilles in NBA Finals

Pacers’ Haliburton would play hurt ‘again and again after that’ after tearing Achilles in NBA Finals

 

🏀 Tyrese Haliburton Vows to Keep Fighting After Tearing Achilles in NBA Finals: “I’d Do It Again and Again

 

In one of the most heartbreaking yet inspiring moments of recent NBA history, **Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton** has revealed that he **tore his Achilles tendon during the NBA Finals**, an injury that would sideline most players instantly. But Haliburton didn’t just stay on the court—he gave every ounce of himself to try and bring a title home to Indiana.

 

And now, in the aftermath of surgery and the end of the Pacers’ historic run, Haliburton is speaking out. His message? No regrets.

 

> **“I’d play through it again and again after that,”** Haliburton said in a raw, emotional postgame interview. **“That’s how much this means to me. That’s how much this city means to me.”**

 

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### 💔 The Injury Heard Around the League

 

Haliburton suffered the devastating injury in **Game 4 of the NBA Finals**, just minutes into the second half. He pulled up while making a drive to the basket and immediately showed signs of distress. While fans feared the worst, Haliburton **pushed through for several more plays**, limping and wincing but refusing to leave the floor.

 

It wasn’t until after the game that team doctors confirmed the extent of the injury: a **torn Achilles tendon**—a nightmare for any athlete, especially a player known for speed, creativity, and court vision.

 

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### 🏆 A Legacy Sealed in Grit

 

Though the Pacers would go on to **lose the Finals in six games**, Haliburton’s decision to stay in the fight has only solidified his status as the **heart and soul of the franchise**. His selflessness, toughness, and love for the game have earned admiration across the basketball world.

 

> “You can’t teach heart. What Tyrese did out there is legendary,” said Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle.

> “He’s a warrior. Period.”

 

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### ⏳ The Road to Recovery

 

Haliburton is expected to miss significant time next season, with recovery from an Achilles tear typically ranging from **9 to 12 months**. The Pacers organization has already pledged its full support, stating that they will prioritize his health over any timetable.

 

Despite the setback, Haliburton remains focused:

 

> “I’ll be back. Stronger. Smarter. Hungrier,” he said on social media the day after the Finals.

> “This is just a chapter, not the whole story.”

 

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### 💬 Fan and League Reaction

 

The NBA community has rallied behind Haliburton:

 

* **LeBron James** tweeted: “Much respect to Tyrese. Real one. Wishing you a full recovery.”

* **Stephen Curry** wrote: “Incredible heart. Heal up and come back stronger.”

* Pacers fans held a candlelight vigil outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse to show support the night after the Finals loss.

 

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### 📌 Final Word

 

Tyrese Haliburton may have fallen physically, but his spirit stands taller than ever. In a sport where toughness is often measured by points and stats, **he showed the kind of courage that can’t be recorded on a box score**.

 

Indiana didn’t win the title, but in Haliburton, they’ve found their **champion**—a player willing to **sacrifice everything** for his team, his city, and the game he loves.