Tyrese Haliburton marked his first regular-season game since an Achilles tendon rupture with 23 points and 12 assists as Indiana beat New Orleans 123-120. The Pacers recovered from a halftime deficit, with Pascal Siakam scoring 30 points. Haliburton’s return followed a season away after his injury in the 2025 NBA Finals.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton returned to regular-season basketball with 23 points and 12 assists in a 123-120 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. He had ruptured his right Achilles tendon in the seventh game of the 2025 National Basketball Association finals. Indiana spent the following season without him, and the opening victory ended his long wait to play alongside his teammates again.[1], [2]
Indiana led 38-31 after the opening quarter, shooting 59 per cent from the field. New Orleans reversed that start in the next period, scoring 35 points while holding the visitors to 18. Zion Williamson scored the last eight points of the half, including a long-range shot at the buzzer, and the Pelicans went into the interval ahead 66-56.[1]
Pascal Siakam finished with 30 points, 12 of them in the final quarter. Haliburton scored 16 of his 23 points in that period. Obi Toppin contributed 20 points, Andrew Nembhard 18, and Ivica Zubac had 16 points and 14 rebounds. For New Orleans, Dejounte Murray scored 23 points and Yves Missi added 13 points and 14 rebounds.[1]
Haliburton wiped away tears after the game. He said Murray, who had also suffered an Achilles injury, had been his biggest NBA mentor during rehabilitation. His wife Jade, parents and brothers were in attendance for the return.[1]
