Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller reached out with a heartfelt message to Tyrese Haliburton shortly after the young star suffered a devastating Achilles tear late in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Miller, whose own legacy defines excellence in Indiana basketball, used his platform to uplift Haliburton during a moment of profound challenge.
Miller shared his words via Instagram, writing: “Honored to be in the same galaxy as you @tyresehaliburton.”
This simple yet meaningful message reverberated across the basketball world, signaling respect, solidarity, and belief in Haliburton‘s ongoing journey of greatness.
A legend reaching out to a rising star
The context of this message makes it all the more significant. Haliburton, a standout performer in the Finals, suffered the injury in Game 7 just minutes into the matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
His Achilles snapped as he pushed off during a move, and he went down immediately, a devastating end to his inspiring postseason.
He had been instrumental in leading the Pacers to their second-ever NBA Finals. His late-game heroics included electrifying buzzer-beaters and a historic all-around statistical run.
Even a calf issue earlier in the series couldn’t slow him down, until that heartbreaking moment in Game 7 shattered his momentum and left Indiana trailing to a 103-91 loss.
Haliburton‘s immediate post-surgery message captured the pain and frustration felt by himself and the franchise, yet also revealed his resolve. Despite undergoing a grueling Achilles repair, he vowed to return stronger, echoing the resilience of past legends like Kobe Bryant.
In this moment of vulnerability, Reggie Miller‘s acknowledgment, “in the same galaxy” offered reassurance to Pacers‘ fans that Haliburton’s star is far from fading. Rather, it suggests that he remains part of Indiana’s basketball universe for years to come.
From mentorship to motivation
Reggie Miller has long been a revered figure in Indy, known for clutch performances and ice-cold competitiveness. His relationship with Haliburton blossomed during the Pacers’ 2025 playoff journey.
The two shared a historic moment when Haliburton modeled Miller‘s famous “choke” sign during a pivotal win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
At that time, Haliburton explained, “Any time I’m mentioned in the same breath as [Reggie Miller], it’s an honor… I have a lot of love and respect and a great relationship with Reggie.” Miller responded in kind by sharing his Instagram tribute shortly after Game 5, confirming the bond.
That relationship, rooted in mutual admiration, offered the framework for Miller‘s timely words following Haliburton‘s injury. It showed that beyond cheers and chants, Indiana’s basketball icon stands ready to lend emotional support when it matters most.
Haliburton now faces a long road to rehabilitation. Most Achilles tears require 9-12 months of recovery, and he’s likely to miss much of the 202526 season.
But with Reggie Miller in his corner, calling him part of the same galaxy, the young star has a champion in his corner.
That endorsement not only comforts the injured guard but also sends Pacers fans a powerful message: Tyrese‘s journey isn’t over. If anything, it’s entering a new phase, one guided by resilience and the spirit of Indiana basketball’s storied past.
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