Haliburton returns to lead Pacers past Pelicans
In his first game since rupturing his Achilles, the Indiana guard scored 23 points and added 12 assists in a 123-120 season-opening win.
Tyrese Haliburton scored 23 points and recorded 12 assists as the Indiana Pacers opened their season with a 123-120 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
The game marked Haliburton’s return more than 16 months after he ruptured his right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. The NBA’s report does not give a calendar date for the season opener.
A decisive fourth quarter
With the game tied at 116, Haliburton drove past Trey Murphy for a layup. On Indiana’s next possession, he scored against Herb Jones and completed a three-point play, putting the Pacers ahead for good.
He scored 13 of his 23 points in the final quarter. The NBA reported that he played nearly 34 minutes.
Back after an Achilles injury
Haliburton missed the entire 2025-26 season after tearing his right Achilles in the Finals against Oklahoma City in June 2025. The NBA described Wednesday’s game as his first action since the injury.
After the game, Haliburton became emotional during a courtside interview. He said the long recovery had made him appreciate being back on the floor.
Opening-night result
The win gave Indiana a victory in its season opener. The supplied report provides no further standings or qualification consequences.
Newsroom
The game account and injury background are based on reporting by the NBA.
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Sources
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NBA
Official source · 22/10/2026 05:33
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Preparing the player…
