Haliburton doesn't regret Achilles tear in Game 7: 'I'd do it again'

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton shared an update late Monday following surgery to repair the Achilles tear he sustained in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

"At 25, I've already learned that God never gives us more than we can handle," he said as part of a lengthy post on X. "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."

Haliburton strained his right calf earlier in the Finals but didn't miss a game. Even with the star guard visibly limited in his movement, the Pacers rebounded from back-to-back losses in Games 4 and 5 to win Game 6 at home and force Sunday's winner-take-all matchup in Oklahoma City.

The two-time All-NBAer got off to a hot start in Game 7, shooting 3-of-4 from distance and helping the Pacers keep pace with the Thunder in the opening half of the first quarter. However, after planting his right foot while attempting to drive by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he suddenly collapsed to the floor in pain, ending his Game 7 after just seven minutes.

The Thunder went on to win 103-91, capturing the franchise's first NBA title.

Haliburton will now likely miss an extended period in 2025-26, with no guarantee he will suit up at all next season.

"My journey to get to where I am today wasn't by happenstance; I've pushed myself every day to be great. And I will continue to do just that," he added Monday. "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'm grateful for all the love from the hoop world.

"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, I'll dust myself off and get right back to being the best version of Tyrese Haliburton."

Haliburton was the third player in this postseason to suffer an Achilles tear. Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard tore the same tendon in his left foot in the first round against Indiana, and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum suffered the same fate in Game 4 of the conference semifinals against the New York Knicks.