Tyrese Haliburton returns after 472 days as Pacers beat Timberwolves in preseason
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton played his first NBA game in 472 days on Wednesday, scoring seven points with six assists as the Pacers opened their preseason with a 123-112 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The game was played at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, Haliburton’s alma mater, and he gave the student section a night to remember.
Haliburton tore his right Achilles in the first quarter of Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The injury ruled him out for the entire 2025-26 season, in which the Pacers finished 19-63, the worst record in franchise history. His return came in the first game of the 2026 preseason, and the two-time All-Star admitted the emotions were running high. “For me to just be back on the floor is everything,” Haliburton said afterwards. “Really fun, really fun. I think perspective is everything.”
Homecoming at Hilton Coliseum
The Pacers chose Haliburton’s college arena for their preseason opener, and the guard made sure the students turned up in force. He paid for all 2,500 student-section tickets himself, according to the DAZN broadcast, and every student received a yellow “Cyclone Hali” t-shirt.
Haliburton played two seasons at Iowa State from 2018 to 2020 before entering the NBA draft. The line of students waiting to get in wrapped around the building an hour and a half before tip-off. “I know that nobody is as passionate about Iowa State as the current students,” Haliburton said before the game, adding that the college basketball environment was “much better than the NBA, from a top to bottom perspective”.
Rusty shooting, familiar passing
The rust was expected and it showed in patches. Haliburton shot 3-of-8 from the field and 1-of-3 from three-point range in 16 minutes of action, and he admitted he felt rushed at times. But the playmaking that made him one of the league’s best passers looked intact: he opened the scoring for Indiana and twice found Aaron Nesmith in opposite corners for transition three-pointers.
He also chipped in one steal and two blocks in a defensive effort that suggested the Achilles was holding up well through changes of direction and drives to the basket. Jarace Walker finished with 10 assists on one turnover for the Pacers.
What comes next for Indiana
The regular-season return is scheduled for October 21, when the Pacers visit the New Orleans Pelicans. Indiana’s rebuild is under way after the lost season: centre Ivica Zubac, who arrived in a midseason trade last year, is fit again, and the Pacers added Kelly Oubre Jr. in the off-season.
The franchise badly needs its floor general back. Without Haliburton, Indiana managed just 19 wins last season, the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference. With him, the Pacers are expected to push back towards playoff contention in the East.
FAQ
How long was Tyrese Haliburton out injured?
472 days. His last game before Wednesday was Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, where he tore his right Achilles in the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He missed the entire 2025-26 season.
What were Haliburton’s stats in his return?
Seven points (3-of-8 shooting, 1-of-3 from three), six assists, one steal and two blocks in 16 minutes as the Pacers beat the Timberwolves 123-112 in their preseason opener.
When is the Pacers’ first regular-season game?
October 21, 2026, on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans.
