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‘At Loss for Words’: Tyrese Haliburton Gets Emotional After Escaping ‘16 Months of Hell’ in Pacers Return

After 472 days away from an NBA floor, Tyrese Haliburton finally stepped on one Wednesday night. The Indiana Pacers guard returned in the preseason opener against the Timberwolves at Hilton Coliseum.

Yard Barker

Published: Thursday, 8 October 2026 at 11:30 AM

Key Things to Know

Tyrese Haliburton returned from an Achilles injury after 472 days in a preseason game at Iowa State.
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 123-112, with Haliburton tallying seven points and six assists.
Haliburton bought 2,500 tickets for students to attend his return game at Hilton Coliseum.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton returned to the court after 472 days away, playing 16 minutes in a 123-112 preseason win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The game took place at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, where Haliburton played college basketball for Iowa State. Haliburton posted seven points, six assists, two blocks, and one steal in his first game action since rupturing his right Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.

Haliburton, who purchased 2,500 tickets for Iowa State students, described his grueling rehabilitation process as "16 months from hell." During his absence, the Pacers struggled to a franchise-worst 19-63 record throughout the 2025-26 season.

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