Only Kobe could walk like Kobe...
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 29.07.25. | 16:44
Tyrese Haliburton shared an intriguing story regarding his ACL tear that once again proved the greatness of the late Black Mamba
In one of the most exciting NBA Finals in recent history and the first one that went to Game 7 since 2016, Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed over Indiana and won their maiden NBA crown.
Yet, many are still wondering what would have happened if the Pacers' best player, Tyrese Haliburton, hadn't torn his Achilles tendon midway through the opening quarter of the decisive game.
Either way, the Thunder emerged victorious, while the popular Hali will miss the following season due to a long recovery.
Speaking of the moment of his injury, he remembered the legendary Kobe Bryant, who had suffered the same severe injury in April 2013 against the Golden State Warriors. Despite the unbelievable pain, the late Black Mamba hit two free throws and casually walked off the court.
"After I got hurt and I was on the ground, I was like 'Let me walk.' Kobe [Bryant] walked, I'm walking. So when I got up, and went to take a step, there was no chance. I was like, 'Don't touch me, I'm gonna walk,' and when I went to move my leg, it's like dead weight on the end of your leg."
Tyrese Haliburton says he tried to walk like Kobe Bryant after tearing his Achilles, but couldn’t:
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) July 23, 2025
“’Let me walk, Kobe walked. I’m walking.’ So, when I got up and went to take a step, there was no chance… So, the fact that Kobe shot a free throw and walked off is… pic.twitter.com/LmYS5r3gDv
"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 a towel over me because my face was just like - I couldn't believe what was actually happening in the moment," Haliburton said on The Pat McAfee Show via Yahoo Sports.
This story is just another evidence of Kobe's greatness and mental toughness. Even though he wasn't the same after the injury, his reaction in that horrendous moment that would ruin any athlete's career was incredible. That's just one of the reasons his legacy will live on forever.
