Why Tyrese Haliburton brought back the eastbay dunk

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is preparing for his return to the court after missing the entire previous season due to a torn ACL suffered in the 2025 NBA Finals. During a recent offseason workout, Haliburton successfully performed an "East Bay" dunk, a move he noted he had not completed since he was 20 years old. He explained that he felt the need to prove to himself that he could still execute the athletic play.

Haliburton's injury sidelined him for the entire season as the Pacers struggled to a 19-63 record. Prior to his injury, he averaged 18.6 points and 9.2 assists per game, leading Indiana to the Finals. Haliburton is scheduled to make his official return to action on October 21, 2026, against the New Orleans Pelicans.