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Haliburton’s Achilles Injury Clouds Pacers’ Future After Breakthrough Season

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Tyrese Haliburton helped lift the Indiana Pacers to a level few expected after their 10-15 start to the season, leading them all the way to the NBA Finals. But his inspiring run ended in heartbreak when the team announced Monday that Haliburton tore his right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the Finals—a devastating injury that could sideline the two-time All-Star for the entire 2025-26 season.

The injury casts a shadow over what had been a magical playoff performance filled with clutch shots, stunning plays, and record-breaking moments. He was a key reason Indiana reached only its second NBA Finals, coming just one win short of its first championship.

According to the team, an MRI confirmed the tear, and Haliburton underwent surgery the same day in New York, performed by Dr. Martin O’Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Following surgery, Haliburton shared an emotional message on social media, expressing his disappointment:
“Words cannot express the pain of this letdown,” he 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.”

Despite the severity of the injury, history shows that players—including those older than Haliburton—have made full recoveries from Achilles tears. Teammate Pascal Siakam expressed confidence in Haliburton’s ability to bounce back.

“I know there’s more coming,” Siakam said. “This situation is tough, but playing with these guys brought back the joy of basketball for me. I’ve found happiness again.”

Haliburton’s energy and leadership have been central to Indiana’s resurgence and will continue to shape the team’s identity, even while he recovers. Players like Siakam are committed to maintaining that spirit.

The Pacers enter next season with a strong core, including nine of their top ten players under contract. The only uncertainty is center Myles Turner, whose cap hold sits just under $30 million. If Turner returns on a similar deal, Indiana could remain below the league’s first tax apron, preserving roster flexibility.

Indiana’s fast-paced style and deep bench wore down opponents throughout the playoffs. That system has worked even in Haliburton’s absence in recent years and could carry the team again next season.

Guards Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell provide additional backcourt depth, giving Indiana hope despite Haliburton’s injury. In his message, Haliburton remained positive:

“I know I’ll come out of this a better man and a better player. Even now, torn Achilles and all, I don’t regret it. I’d do it all over again for this team and this city.”

Head coach Rick Carlisle also expressed confidence in his star’s return.

“He’ll be back,” Carlisle said after the season-ending 103-91 loss in Oklahoma City. “I believe he’ll make a full recovery, no doubt.”

Haliburton’s absence will be felt. His leadership and heroics—like leading three wild comebacks from seven-point deficits in the final minute of games—were crucial to the team’s deep playoff run. In Game 7, he had nine quick points before going down, a blow that left Indiana reeling.

Still, Siakam said the team gave everything they had:
“We fought for our fans, for Indiana. It hurts, but we have to stay strong.”

Even amid heartbreak, the Pacers look ahead with optimism, though questions remain about when Haliburton will return.