Haliburton Reflects on Knicks’ Victory While Anticipating Return

For fans of the New York Knicks, the name Tyrese Haliburton brings back challenging memories. He was pivotal in knocking New York out of the playoffs in 2024, only to repeat the act in the Eastern Conference Finals the following year. In the 2025 NBA Finals, Haliburton suffered an Achilles injury in Game 7, which sidelined him for an entire season. During his recovery, the Knicks ended their more than 50-year title drought by defeating the Spurs.

In a conversation on Boardroom Talks with Speedy Morman, Haliburton shared his immediate reaction to the Knicks’ championship win. He admitted, “When the Knicks won, I thought to myself, ‘I gotta turn this [expletive] off.’ I can’t watch it.” Yet, despite his initial urge, he decided to watch the celebration.

Usually, Haliburton enjoys watching the Finals’ celebrations. This event was different but seeing familiar faces in victory softened the blow. He remarked, “You know what, leave it on. Let me watch it. And to see Jalen celebrate with Ali, his wife… me and my wife are friends with them. I was like, that’s awesome to see.” He found joy in witnessing moments like Josh Hart with his twins and Karl-Anthony Towns with Jordyn Woods. Yet he acknowledged the intense basketball rivalry remains, saying, “Are they our rivals? Yes… We hate each other when we’re playing, but after that, it’s love.”

Haliburton described his complex emotions during the celebration. He said, “I felt every emotion. I was angry, but I was also happy. I was sad that I didn’t get the opportunity to compete in that.” He concluded with a determination to return stronger. Indiana is optimistic about his health for the new season’s tip-off.

The Knicks are set to begin their title defense on October 20 against the Philadelphia 76ers. This marks the rekindling of a lively rivalry.