Haliburton Emotional in Return After 500-Day Absence, Leads Pacers to Season-Opening Win
Two-time All-Star Tyrese Haliburton scores 16 fourth-quarter points to secure victory in his first game back from a torn Achilles.
Nearly 500 days after suffering a torn Achilles tendon, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton made an emotional return to the court Wednesday, leading his team to a 123-120 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in the season opener. Haliburton, a two-time All-Star, scored 23 points, including 16 in the crucial fourth quarter.
The debilitating injury sidelined Haliburton for the entire 2025-26 season. The Oklahoma City Thunder ultimately won the NBA championship that year, defeating the Pacers in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
During a postgame interview on the court, Haliburton became visibly emotional when reflecting on his long road back. "It means a lot to be back out here," Haliburton said, fighting back tears. "We've got a lot to pick up, the second quarter wasn't good. But, we're battle-tested so we finished this game the right way. Just really proud of this group." He added, "I’m just really thankful to be back out here."
Haliburton's return proved pivotal, as he made a key play in the closing minutes to give the Pacers the lead for good. They had overcome a 10-point deficit earlier in the game.
Last season, the Pacers struggled significantly without their star guard, finishing with only 19 wins, a stark contrast to their championship contending performance the year prior. With Haliburton back in the lineup, the Pacers aim to contend in the Eastern Conference. They are scheduled to host the Dallas Mavericks for their home opener on Friday.