Tyrese Haliburton Declares Unwavering Loyalty to Indiana Pacers After Performance Dip: “I’m Not Leaving”…………
July 30, 2025 | Indianapolis, IN — After a challenging stretch of games that saw the Indiana Pacers’ momentum stall and Tyrese Haliburton’s performance come under scrutiny, the All-Star guard silenced any doubts about his future with a passionate statement reaffirming his commitment to the franchise and the city of Indianapolis.
In an emotional post-game press conference following a bounce-back win over the New York Knicks, Haliburton looked straight into the cameras and made his feelings crystal clear: “I love Indiana. I love this team, this city, this organization. I’m not going anywhere. I’m built for this, and I’m here to win with the Pacers.”
The declaration came after a difficult few weeks in which Haliburton struggled with efficiency, leading to speculation from national media and fans about his long-term future with the team. His shooting percentage dipped below 40% over a 10-game span, and turnovers increased, prompting some critics to question whether the Pacers’ offensive engine was running out of steam.
But rather than shy away from the criticism, Haliburton took it head-on.
“Look, I know I haven’t played my best basketball lately,” he admitted. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hear the noise. People were questioning my leadership, questioning if I’m the guy. That’s okay — I use it. But what I won’t allow is for anyone to question my loyalty. I’ve given my all to this team, and I’ll keep doing that every single night.”
This emotional response lit up social media, with Pacers fans rallying around their franchise cornerstone. Hashtags like #HaliburtonForever and #PacersLoyalty began trending within hours. Several current and former Pacers players, including Reggie Miller and Paul George, took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their support for Haliburton’s commitment.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle backed his star, saying, “Tyrese is a competitor. He cares deeply about winning and about this team. Every player goes through slumps, but what makes great players great is how they respond. Tonight, he responded. Not just with words, but with action.”
Indeed, Haliburton’s performance against the Knicks spoke volumes. He tallied 28 points, 11 assists, and 6 rebounds, orchestrating the Pacers’ offense with renewed confidence. His energy was contagious, and his teammates fed off it. Benedict Mathurin, who has emerged as a key scoring partner, credited Haliburton’s leadership for helping the team “stay together during tough times.”
The timing of Haliburton’s public reaffirmation is critical. As the Pacers push for playoff positioning in a highly competitive Eastern Conference, team chemistry and leadership will be essential. Despite the dip in form, Indiana remains firmly in the playoff picture, and with Haliburton rediscovering his groove, there’s renewed optimism in the locker room.
Haliburton, who signed a max contract extension with the Pacers in 2023, has consistently emphasized his belief in the team’s long-term vision. “We’re building something special here,” he said. “I know it doesn’t always happen overnight. But I trust the front office, I trust my teammates, and I trust myself. I didn’t come here to leave. I came here to win.”
Fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse erupted when the team returned home, chanting “Ty-rese! Ty-rese!” during introductions. The love between player and city seems stronger than ever.
As the season enters its crucial final third, Haliburton’s loyalty and leadership could be the fuel the Pacers need to make a serious playoff run. One
