Haliburton Eyes 2026 Return
Tyrese Haliburton Watches Knicks Win Championship While Recovering From Injury
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Key Points
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Without Haliburton, Indiana went 19-63 in 2025-26, the second-worst record in the NBA and the worst season in franchise history.
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New York’s championship was its first NBA title since 1973; the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games after mounting multiple comebacks during the Finals.
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The Pacers and Knicks had met in consecutive postseasons before Haliburton’s injury, and Indiana eliminated New York in the preceding postseason—background to Haliburton’s confidence that the Pacers would have won if he had been healthy.
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Haliburton said watching Jalen Brunson celebrate with his wife, Ali, was especially meaningful because Haliburton’s wife, Jade, is close friends with her; he described the off-court relationship as contrasting with the rivalry during games.
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Haliburton indicated he expects to return for the upcoming 2026-27 season, saying he was “looking forward to being back” after missing the entire campaign with the Achilles injury.
Tyrese Haliburton had mixed feelings watching the New York Knicks win their first NBA title since 1973, even as he cheered for his friends on the roster. The Indiana Pacers guard missed the entire 2025-26 season recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, leaving him sidelined as New York defeated San Antonio in five Finals games ClutchPoints. Though he initially wanted to switch off the celebration—the Knicks are the Pacers' fierce playoff rivals—Haliburton ultimately watched and felt genuine happiness for teammates including Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Karl-Anthony Towns ClutchPoints.
Still, Haliburton didn't shy away from competitive confidence. He said Indiana would have beaten New York had he been healthy, reflecting the escalating rivalry between the two teams Newsweek. The Pacers had eliminated the Knicks in back-to-back playoff meetings before his injury sidelined him for the season Newsweek. Now, with Haliburton expected to return for 2026-27, the Knicks' championship could fuel even deeper motivation for Indiana's comeback Roundtable.
Pacers Bottomed Out Without Their Star Guard
Without Haliburton, the Pacers collapsed to a 19-63 record in 2025-26—the second-worst mark in the NBA and the franchise's worst season ever ClutchPoints. Indiana went from playoff contender to lottery team in a single year. The injury occurred before the season began, erasing any chance to compete for a title this year.
A Championship Built on Finals Comebacks
The Knicks claimed their first championship in 53 years by defeating the Spurs in the Finals, mounting multiple comebacks to clinch the series in five games ClutchPoints. New York's playoff run impressed even rival stars. The path back to the championship was long—New York hadn't won since 1973—but this team showed resilience when it mattered most.
Off-Court Bonds Soften Playoff Rivalries
Haliburton said watching Jalen Brunson celebrate with his wife, Ali, was especially meaningful. Haliburton's wife, Jade, is close friends with Ali—a connection that adds personal warmth to an otherwise intense on-court rivalry Newsweek. The off-court relationships between players show how basketball competition doesn't erase genuine friendships. That bond made it easier for Haliburton to celebrate New York's accomplishment despite the Pacers' struggles.
Haliburton Eyes a Redemption Season Ahead
Haliburton said he is "looking forward to being back" after missing the entire 2025-26 campaign Roundtable. His return for 2026-27 could transform Indiana from a lottery team back into contention. The Pacers will be motivated not just by losing Haliburton, but by watching their rivals raise a banner. Indiana has a chance to prove it could have matched New York's run if their star had stayed healthy.
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