The NBA Playoffs have recently seen a surge in ruptured Achilles injuries among star players, raising alarms about the growing prevalence of this serious damage. Experts now recommend that athletes avoid playing even with minor calf strains, which can increase the risk of a full Achilles tear. Despite these warnings for regular-season caution, Paul George explains that many players, including himself, push through injuries when the stakes are highest in the playoffs.
Tyrese Haliburton’s determination to compete despite injury
The Indiana Pacers reached the NBA Finals for the first time in over 20 years, a milestone unlikely to be repeated soon. Tyrese Haliburton admitted he might have chosen rest during the regular season, but there was no way he was missing the critical Game 7 in the Finals. George respects Haliburton’s decision but feels the team should have been more careful with his health earlier in the series.
Paul George’s thoughts on managing Haliburton’s injury during the series
On Podcast P, George reflected on the series and questioned the timing of Haliburton’s play.
“And I was thinking … Indy should probably sit him Game 3, right?”
He noted that after the teams split games in Oklahoma, Haliburton appeared doubtful for Game 3 due to injury, yet he played despite not looking like himself. George believes that resting Haliburton at that moment, when the Pacers had gained momentum, might have improved his condition for the later games.
“Hindsight, you wanna play that. But if you were able to kinda foresee an injury like this coming, ‘Uh, maybe we should sit him Game 3, try to at least give him a little rest, and then try to get Game 4, win that,’”
George said.
“’Cause he wasn’t himself Game 3.”
Understanding the mindset of playing through pain in the Finals
Comparing Haliburton’s Achilles injury to Kevin Durant’s 2019 NBA Finals rupture, George points out that even Durant’s injury didn’t occur so close to a championship opportunity. Haliburton’s situation—losing his chance so near the ultimate prize—is rare among current stars. George emphasized the intense desire athletes have to play no matter the physical pain when the Finals are at stake.
“That’s what it comes [down to]. If you in the Finals, you want to play, period. Point blank period,”
Paul George asserted.
“Regardless what’s going on. Give me the pill, give me the shot in the a**.”
Kobe Bryant’s legacy influences today’s player mentality
George’s cohost Jackie Long highlighted how many modern stars have adopted the relentless mindset of the late Kobe Bryant, who famously played through pains and injuries to compete every night. This mentality continues to inspire players like Haliburton to persevere despite physical setbacks during crucial moments.
The outlook for Tyrese Haliburton’s recovery and future
Haliburton’s injury happened at the worst possible time but is not expected to end his career. The two-time All-Star, still only 25, is anticipated to make a strong comeback after recovery and remain a formidable competitor for years to come. His potential for a long and successful run post-injury remains promising, reassuring fans and the Pacers organization alike.