Tyrese Haliburton began Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night determined to guide the Indiana Pacers to their first-ever championship.
But just seven minutes into the game, Haliburton left the court with what was later confirmed to be a torn Achilles.
Haliburton underwent surgery Monday night in New York City to repair the torn Achilles and since then has released a heartfelt and emotional message to the fans post-operation:
“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 number of times people will tell me I'm going to “come back strongerâ€. What a cliche lol, this shit sucks. 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 shit out without y'all seeing the kid ugly cry.
At 25, I've already learned that God never gives us more than we can handle. I know I'll come out on the other side of this a better man and a better player. And honestly, right now, torn Achilles and all, I don't regret it. I'd do it again, and again after that, to fight for this city and my brothers. For the chance to do something special.
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. I think Kobe said it best when in this same situation. “There are far greater issues/challenges in the world than a torn Achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief