INDIANAPOLIS — In June 2025, the arena’s roar turned to a collective gasp when Tyrese Haliburton went down during Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The Pacers’ point guard had led Indiana to its first Finals appearance in 25 years, and in an instant, it all felt in jeopardy.
- The Injury Heard Around Pacers Nation
- Why the Achilles Was so Crippling for the Pacers
- Recovery’s Small Wins: Strides Into the Future
- Table: Haliburton’s 2024–25 Season Splits
- The Achilles Trend – Why It Matters Beyond Haliburton
- Pacers Without Their Maestro
- The Human Story Behind the Rehab
- Looking Ahead: The Chase Isn’t Over
Fifty-four days later, on a sunlit day at home in Oshkosh, Haliburton walked — no scooter, no crutches, just one cautious stride after another. That walk wasn’t just physical rehab; it was the kind of human triumph that reshapes a storyline.
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The Injury Heard Around Pacers Nation
Haliburton’s tear came at the worst moment. It happened early in Game 7, effectively ending his playoff run and leaving fans in shock. He was seen arriving home in a wheelchair, not a hero’s triumphant return, and the city’s grief echoed at the airport — chants of “Tyrese” rolling through the terminal.
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Pacers president Kevin Pritchard later confirmed that Haliburton would miss the entire 2025-26 season, emphasizing that a full recovery was non-negotiable.
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Why the Achilles Was so Crippling for the Pacers
Haliburton wasn’t just another guard — he was the heartbeat of the Pacers. In the Finals, he averaged 14.0 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds, anchoring the offense during every crunch moment.
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His season stats read like a highlight reel: 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals per game, earning him All-NBA Third Team honors and his second All-Star selection.
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Indiana didn’t just lose a star; they lost their identity and their composure overnight.
Recovery’s Small Wins: Strides Into the Future
Walking in a Boot and Then in Shoes
Just weeks into rehab, comments to reporters revealed a hopeful update: “I’m walking now in my boot… Getting closer to walking full-time in my shoes. So, that’s exciting for me.”
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By mid-August, he lifted the symbolic weight of one-boot life: “Feels good to have 2 shoes on again,” he posted on social media alongside a snapshot of new PUMA kicks.
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The Emotional Grind
Haliburton shared why this mattered: “Just being able to walk, it’s like small wins right now… I have good days, bad days.” At home hosting youth camps, he tapped into that resilience: “The chase continues… I’m finally walking without crutches or a scooter, so that’s exciting for me.”
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Table: Haliburton’s 2024–25 Season Splits
Stage |
Points |
Assists |
Rebounds |
FT% |
Games Played |
Regular Season |
18.6 |
9.2 |
3.5 |
— |
73 |
NBA Finals |
14.0 |
5.9 |
4.6 |
— |
7 |
Career Averages |
17.5 |
8.8 |
3.7 |
— |
333 |
(Based on stats released by Field Level Media.)
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The Achilles Trend – Why It Matters Beyond Haliburton
Haliburton is not alone in suffering this. Stars like Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, and Damian Lillard also tore Achilles tendons during the 2025 playoffs—a troubling pattern.
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Medical professionals cite early sport specialization, longer seasons, and low-cut shoes as possible culprits. Younger players are breaking down earlier. Still, Haliburton’s age (25) and resolve provide a promising edge in rehab outcomes.
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Pacers Without Their Maestro
Michigan’s guard won’t be on the floor next season, leaving a gaping void in playmaking and leadership. GM Pritchard emphasized that Indiana wouldn’t “jeopardize that now,” ruling out a return for 2025-26.
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His absence leaves Indiana scrambling, but there’s also a shared hope that the team will rally behind the goal of reintegration in 2026.
The Human Story Behind the Rehab
Beyond averages and shot charts, Haliburton’s story reminds us of fragility and courage. The same hands that orchestrated buzzer-beating symphonies now gingerly tie shoelaces, and that contrast is as powerful as any stat line.
Fans may worry about his long-term arc. But his message isn’t about despair. It’s about loving the rehab process, embracing incremental returns, and chasing a dream re-drawn through patience.
Looking Ahead: The Chase Isn’t Over
That same intensity that serenaded the Pacers to the Finals is fueling his rehab. If history is a guide, Durant returned, and stars have risen on the other side of this optimism isn’t naïve; it’s grounded.
No date stamped his return. No promise echoed. Only daily progress, persistent effort, and the quiet roar of hope.
