After undergoing surgery, Haliburton quoted a famous saying from Kobe to encourage himself, vowing to regain his "strongest self."

Tyrese Haliburton, the star of the Pacers, exited the first quarter of Game 7 in the NBA Finals on the 23rd due to a torn Achilles tendon in his right leg, unable to help his team secure its first championship. On the 24th, Haliburton shared a heartfelt message on social media, admitting that the sense of defeat was unimaginable and apologizing to fans, but he never regretted playing through the injury, promising to find his strongest self again.

Haliburton has already undergone surgery.

Haliburton had been playing injured since Game 3 of the NBA Finals series and suffered a right calf strain after Game 5. Even though the series extended to Game 7, he unexpectedly exited in the first quarter of this crucial match due to a torn Achilles tendon in his right leg, scoring 9 points in 7 minutes. The Pacers ultimately lost to the Thunder, missing out on their first championship in history. After the game, Haliburton was seen greeting his teammates in the locker room with crutches, a touching scene.

Haliburton underwent surgery on the 24th, and he expressed on social media: “I really don’t know how to describe all of this; words cannot convey the pain of this loss beyond shock. The feeling of defeat is unimaginable. I have given my entire life to reach this moment, and this is how it ends? It makes no sense.”

Haliburton exited Game 7 of the NBA Finals due to a torn Achilles tendon in his right leg.

Haliburton revealed that he has already undergone surgery and is tired of hearing the phrase “you will come back strong,” as it feels terrible. More painful than his right foot is the pain in his heart, but he knows that once he gets through this, he will look back on it as a proud chapter in his journey.

Haliburton stated: “I’m 25 years old and have learned that God never gives us challenges beyond what we can bear. I know I will come out of this low point as a better person and a better player. Honestly, even with a torn Achilles, I have no regrets. I would do it again and again, fighting for this city and for my brothers. Because this is an extraordinary opportunity.”

After the game, Haliburton was seen greeting his teammates in the locker room with crutches, a moving sight.

Unable to help the Pacers win their first championship, Haliburton apologized to fans and Indiana, quoting the late Lakers legend Kobe, who said after his own Achilles injury, “There are challenges and difficulties in this world that are more severe than a torn Achilles. Don’t wallow in self-pity; find that glimmer of hope, and continue to strive with the same faith, determination, and confidence.”

Haliburton believes that reaching this point is not a coincidence. He works hard every day, pursuing excellence, and will continue to do so in the future. He is not “forced” to go through this but is “fortunate” to experience it. He asks for a little time, promising that he will find the best version of Haliburton.