Tyrese Haliburton tried to “walk like Kobe” after Achilles tear, stunned by pain in Game 7 heartbreak

NBA legend Tyrese Haliburton recently claimed that he attempted to walk like Kobe Bryant after tearing his Achilles tendon. He recently acknowledged on ESPN's Pat McAfee Show that he believed his body had survived Game 7 of the NBA Finals until the incident happened. He went on to discuss how Kobe Bryant's recovery from his Achilles injury served as inspiration for him and he tried to do that same. He felt optimistic going into the pivotal match after playing a few minutes. However, he couldn’t do it.

Tyrese Haliburton reflects on devastating Achilles injury and the challenge of living up to Kobe Bryant’s legacy
Tyrese Haliburton appeared on ESPN's Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday. It was his first interview with the public since the injury. During the same, he claimed that he isn’t considering the amount of work he had done to assist the team because he would reportedly be out for the entire 2025–2026 season due to his injury. He further stated:

"There was definitely a cause of concern that that could happen…. You always hear people who have this injury say it feels like somebody kicked you in the back of the leg. It's not the most painful thing, but it does feel like if you let some elementary-age kid just come up and line you up like a kickball and just kick you in the back of the leg. That's what it feels like. When I went down, I knew right away what had happened."

The Indiana Pacers player went on to say that he attempted to walk it off because, in 2013, Kobe Bryant not only walked off the court but also made two free throws before the L.A. Lakers fouled him. However, he soon realized that it wasn't an option.




He then stated:

"I was on the ground, I was like, 'Let me walk’... Kobe walked. I'm walking.' So when I got up and went to take a step, there was no chance… When I went to move my leg, it's like dead weight at the end of your leg. So the fact that Kobe shot a free throw and walked off is unbelievable… Certain guys have walked off, but when I went to take a step, that's when the guys threw the towel over me…"

Since Tyrese Haliburton is still using a motorized scooter four weeks after his surgery, his leg rehabilitation is still a long way off. He further added during the interview that returning for the 2026-2027 season and trying to return the Indiana Pacers to their previous level of success are his top priorities.


Also read: Tyrese Haliburton spotted supporting Caitlin Clark at Indiana Fever game after recent surgery