Pacers Star Tyrese Haliburton Addresses Fans After Injury-Plagued Season

Haliburton thanks fans for their support during a tough year and promises the team will be back in the playoffs soon.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract expressionist painting in neon colors, with rapid brushstrokes depicting a basketball player's silhouette addressing a crowd, their features indistinct and dissolving into the energetic composition.Tyrese Haliburton's impassioned speech to Pacers fans at the season finale captures the team's determination to bounce back after a difficult year.Indianapolis Today

In the final game of a disappointing Pacers season defined by Tyrese Haliburton's season-long injury absence, the star point guard took the microphone to thank the team's loyal fanbase for their support. Haliburton acknowledged it had been a tough year but promised the Pacers would return to the playoffs in the near future.

Why it matters

Haliburton's injury was a major blow to the Pacers, who went from back-to-back playoff runs to missing the postseason entirely. His message to fans shows his commitment to the team and the city, and provides hope that the Pacers will bounce back stronger next season.

The details

During the Pacers' Fan Appreciation Day before the final game of the season, Haliburton addressed the crowd, thanking them for their support throughout a difficult year. He acknowledged the team had been "battling" and "it's been a tough year," but promised the Pacers would not be absent from the playoffs for long, telling fans "Don't get used to the Pacers not playing in April, May and June."

  • The Pacers' season finale took place on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Tyrese Haliburton

The Pacers' star point guard who missed the entire 2025-26 season due to injury.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Thank you guys for an amazing year. You guys have been awesome. I know it's been a long year. We've been battling. It's been a tough year. We appreciate you guys for showing up and showing love every game. You guys are the best fans in the world.”

— Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers Point Guard

“Don't get used to the Pacers not playing in April, May and June.”

— Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers Point Guard

What’s next

The Pacers will look to bounce back next season and return to the playoffs, with Haliburton leading the charge.

The takeaway

Tyrese Haliburton's message to Pacers fans shows his commitment to the team and the city of Indianapolis, and provides hope that the Pacers will return to their winning ways after a difficult season defined by Haliburton's injury absence.