Tyrese Haliburton emerges in wheelchair after devastating Game 7 injury

His amazing run in the post season was cut short in a gut wrenching moment, and is now set for a season long recovery.

Tyrese Haliburton couldn’t have envisioned himself returning from Game 7 of the NBA Finals in a wheelchair, but Pacers fans were out in full force to cheer up their star point guard as he returned to Indiana.

Fans made it to Indianapolis International Airport in the late hours of the night roaring for Haliburton, who emerged from the team plane in a wheelchair after his devastating Achilles injury in the first quarter of Sunday’s 103-91 Game 7 loss to the Thunder in Oklahoma City.

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The fans chanted “Tyrese,” clapped and rang cowbells as Haliburton rolled past, according to video captured by WTHR.

The New York Post reported that the star was visibly sullen and likely still in pain, but he gave a wave of appreciation to those who turned up in support.

Haliburton got off to a hot start in Game 7, knocking down some early three-pointers, before he suffered the excruciating Achilles injury part-way through the first quarter.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton lays on the court after an injury during the first half of Game 7 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday. Photo: AP/Nate Billings.

The moment marked a brutal end to a magical run for Haliburton, who has rattled off clutch moment after clutch moment these playoffs.

The Iowa State product hit thrilling game-winners in all four of Indiana’s playoff series.

First was a series-clinching layup in Game 5 of the first round against the Bucks, before a clutch step-back three in Game 2 of the second round against the Cavs, a miraculous shot in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks and a clutch game-winner in Game 1 of the Finals against the Thunder.

Haliburton was unable to continue and carried off. Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP.

The point guard carried a calf strain into the match before going down in the first quarter. Photo: AP/Nate Billings.

Haliburton posted a heartfelt message and update on Tuesday afternoon to X after surgery to his achille.

“I’ve worked my whole life to get to this moment and this is how it ends? Makes no sense,” he said.

“My foot feels like dead weight fam. But what’s hurting most I think is my mind. ... this is something I’ll look back on when I’m through this, as something I’m proud I fought through.

“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.”

Haliburton shared a message with fans following surgery on his achilles. Photo: X.

Haliburton’s health was in question for the latter part of the Finals after he suffered a right calf strain in Game 5.

But he played through it in Game 6, a blowout Pacers win, and appeared to be playing like his normal self early in Game 7.

What would have happened if Haliburton had remained healthy for all of Game 7 will become a classic NBA what-if, but Pacers fans are clearly putting their heartbreak aside to appreciate all Haliburton has done for the franchise.

Haliburton’s outlook for next season remains unclear, but it can often take between eight to ten months for an athlete to recover from an Achilles injury.

This story originally appeared on the New York Post and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as Tyrese Haliburton emerges in wheelchair after devastating Game 7 injury