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Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has released an emotional statement after tearing his Achilles in his team's Game 7 loss to Oklahoma City Thunder.
After a what replays showed was a pop in his lower right leg in the first quarter, Halliburton was left in tears and screaming in agony after hitting the court. He had played through the pain barrier with a calf issue in the same leg which may have contributed to a new issue that will now sidelines him for the start of next season.
Without their star man, his Pacers team went on to lose the decider 91-103 in a cruel ending for a player who had lit up the postseason.
After having surgery to repair his tear, the 25-year-old Haliburton shared an emotinal statement from his hospital bed on Monday night, barely 24 hours on from sustaining the injury.
'Man. Don’t know how to explain it other than shock. Words cannot express the pain of this letdown,' Haliburton wrote. '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 stronger”. What a cliche lol, this s*** sucks. My foot feels like dead weight fam.
Tyrese Haliburton shared a picture from his hospital bed after tearing his Achilles
The Indiana Pacers star went down hurt in the first quarter of the deciding game in Oklahoma
'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 s*** 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 then a torn achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.” And that’s exactly right.
'I will do everything in my power to get back right. 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.
'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's girlfriend, Jade Jones, also paid tribute to him on Monday. She posted a message on her Instagram as well as sharing a picture of Haliburton looking inconsolable in the locker room after getting hurt.
Haliburton's girlfriend, Jade Jones, also paid him an emotional tribute on social media
'What a year!!! What a bittersweet ending to it all. This team is SO special, beyond words,' she wrote. 'You have made a historic run for the Pacers that generations will be talking about!!! This season has made such a special imprint on my heart. One of the best things we have ever been a part of!!! Just know how much it meant to all of us.'
Jones continued: 'The smile you have put on people’s faces, the joy & excitement you have brought to this city. You have been nothing short of amazing. You are so selfless, brave, and strong!
'We have the best support system around us who will pull you through this! I will always be your biggest cheerleader. I will forever be so proud of you!! Our team’s got you. We will be back, we’re not finished yet! Gods plan, Gods timing. My superstar, I love you.'
