Tyrese Haliburton Posts Kobe-Inspired Message After Achilles Surgery

Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, an injury that could sideline him for eight to ten months. Following surgery, Haliburton shared an emotional message expressing shock and frustration but emphasized his faith and determination to come back stronger, apologizing to Pacers fans and quoting the late Kobe Bryant for inspiration. Kobe Bryant, who also suffered a similar Achilles injury late in his career, had conveyed a message of resilience and 'mamba mentality,' which Haliburton echoed in his own statement. Haliburton's injury occurred shortly after he decided to play through a calf injury, highlighting his commitment to his team and city. Fellow athletes, including tennis player Ben Shelton, have publicly supported Haliburton during his recovery. Despite the setback, Haliburton remains optimistic about his return and future in the NBA.