The Indiana Pacers opened their season with a thrilling victory that meant far more than just a win in the standings.
Where to Watch NBA Games
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
A flexible streaming hub for major sports, live events, and add-on channels
FUBO
FUBO
The live sports streaming service built for fans who want it all
NBA League Pass
NBA League Pass
The go-to service for dedicated NBA fans wanting out-of-market games.
Tyrese Haliburton returned to the court after missing an entire season due to a devastating injury, delivering a performance that reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the league’s brightest stars.
The 123-120 triumph over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night marked not just a personal milestone for the two-time All-Star, but also a symbolic moment for a franchise that struggled mightily in his absence.
What Nobody Expected to See in Tyrese Haliburton’s First Game Back
When Haliburton stepped onto the court at Smoothie King Center, few could have predicted the emotional scene that would unfold.
The guard, who had been away from competitive basketball for over 16 months, found himself overwhelmed by the sight of Pacers fans who had traveled to New Orleans to witness his return.
The moment became even more poignant as Haliburton delivered 23 points and 12 assists across 33 minutes of play, numbers that would be impressive for any player, let alone someone returning from such a serious injury.
His performance wasn’t just about statistics, though those were certainly noteworthy. It was about proving to himself and the organization that he could still compete at the highest level.
Haliburton’s connection with the fans who made the journey to support him added an extra layer of significance to an already meaningful night.
The guard’s ability to contribute immediately at such a high level suggested that his rehabilitation process had been remarkably successful, even if he acknowledged afterward that his conditioning still needed work.
The 16 Points That Changed Everything: How the Fourth Quarter Unfolded
While Haliburton’s overall performance was impressive, his fourth quarter explosion truly defined the evening.
Scoring 16 points in the final period, he demonstrated the clutch gene that had made him such a valuable player before his injury.
This wasn’t just about putting points on the board, it was about taking over when his team needed him most.
The timing of his scoring surge couldn’t have been better for Indiana.
As the game remained tight throughout the closing minutes, Haliburton’s ability to create offense and make crucial plays helped secure the victory.
His court vision remained sharp, as evidenced by his 12 assists, showing that his playmaking abilities hadn’t diminished during his lengthy absence.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers in total scoring with 30 points, but it was Haliburton’s fourth quarter dominance that sealed the outcome.
The combination of these two players working in tandem offered a glimpse of what Indiana’s offense could look like when fully healthy and synchronized.
Coach Rick Carlisle’s decision to play Haliburton for over 30 minutes in his first game back proved crucial, even if it pushed the boundaries of what might typically be expected from a player in his situation.
From 19-63 to Victory: The Comeback That Almost Didn’t Happen
The contrast between last season and opening night couldn’t have been more stark. Without Haliburton, the Pacers had plummeted to a dismal 19-63 record, a dramatic fall from their status as Eastern Conference champions the previous year.
The franchise had experienced one of the most significant single-season declines in recent NBA history, underscoring just how vital Haliburton was to their success.
His injury occurred in June 2025, during Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a devastating blow that came at the worst possible moment.
The torn Achilles tendon not only ended his season but also forced him to miss the entire following campaign. Before the injury, Haliburton had accumulated 1,359 points and 673 assists in the 2025 regular season, production that proved impossible to replace.
The fact that Haliburton could step back onto the court and immediately contribute at an All-Star level speaks volumes about his dedication during rehabilitation.
His first game exceeding 30 minutes in 16 and a half months represented a significant milestone, one that Carlisle noted with obvious relief. The victory itself served as validation that the Pacers could once again compete at a high level with their star guard back in the lineup.
The One Person Haliburton Credits for His Return (It’s Not Who You Think)
Where to Watch NBA Games
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
A flexible streaming hub for major sports, live events, and add-on channels
FUBO
FUBO
The live sports streaming service built for fans who want it all
NBA League Pass
NBA League Pass
The go-to service for dedicated NBA fans wanting out-of-market games.
In the aftermath of his successful return, Haliburton revealed an unexpected source of inspiration and guidance during his recovery.
DeJounte Murray, the Pelicans guard who had also recovered from a torn Achilles tendon, served as a mentor throughout the rehabilitation process.
This connection between two players who had faced similar challenges provided Haliburton with invaluable insight and encouragement.
Murray’s own successful return from the same injury offered a roadmap for what Haliburton could achieve with proper dedication and patience.
The two guards had developed a relationship based on their shared experience, with Murray providing advice on everything from physical therapy approaches to mental preparation for the return to competition.
This mentorship proved particularly valuable during the darkest moments of recovery when doubt can creep in.
Haliburton was candid about his current physical state, acknowledging that he felt gassed during the game and that his conditioning still needed improvement.
This honesty reflected a mature understanding of where he stood in his recovery journey.
While his performance was exceptional, he recognized that reaching his peak form would require additional time and work.
The support system around him, including Murray’s guidance, would continue to play a crucial role as he worked toward full fitness.
Why This Win Means More Than Just Three Points in the Standings
The significance of this victory extended far beyond the immediate impact on the standings.
For a franchise that had endured a painful season without its star player, this game represented hope and validation. The presence of Haliburton’s wife Jade, his parents, brothers, agent, and other supporters in attendance added to the emotional weight of the occasion.
The game served as a statement to the rest of the league that Indiana was back in contention. After watching their team struggle through 82 games without their floor general, Pacers fans finally had reason to believe in a brighter future.
The fact that so many supporters made the trip to New Orleans demonstrated the deep connection between Haliburton and the fanbase, a bond that had only strengthened during his absence.
Looking ahead, this performance sets the tone for what could be a remarkable season for both Haliburton and the Pacers. While he acknowledged needing to improve his conditioning and work his way back to peak form, the foundation is clearly there.
His ability to impact the game in multiple ways, from scoring to playmaking, suggests that Indiana’s dramatic turnaround from last season’s struggles is not only possible but likely.
The emotional return has given way to renewed expectations and genuine optimism about what this team can accomplish with their leader back on the court.
Where to Watch NBA Games
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
A flexible streaming hub for major sports, live events, and add-on channels
FUBO
FUBO
The live sports streaming service built for fans who want it all
NBA League Pass
NBA League Pass
The go-to service for dedicated NBA fans wanting out-of-market games.
