Home » Sports » NBA » New Orleans Pelicans

Tyrese Haliburton fights back tears in emotional Pacers return after Achilles tear

Tyrese Haliburton hadn't touched the floor in a meaningful basketball game in 486 days.

By Andrew Battifarano · NY Post

Published: Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 3:46 AM

Key Things to Know

Tyrese Haliburton fought back tears after returning from a 486-day absence caused by an Achilles tear.
Haliburton recorded 23 points and 12 assists in Indiana's 123-120 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
The guard originally suffered the torn Achilles during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Thunder.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Tyrese Haliburton fought back tears in an emotional postgame interview following his return to the Indiana Pacers after 486 days away from meaningful basketball action. Playing in the season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday, Haliburton recorded 23 points and 12 assists in a 123-120 victory for Indiana.

The two-time All-NBA guard suffered a torn Achilles during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals and missed the entire subsequent season. In his regular-season comeback, Haliburton played 34 minutes, shot 53.3 percent from the field, and added two rebounds.

Read the full article on NY Post

Tyrese Haliburton fights back tears in emotional Pacers return after Achilles tear

More New Orleans Pelicans News

Never Miss a Sports Update