Full Breakdown
Tyrese Haliburton’s NBA Comeback Begins at Iowa State
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 7, 2026, Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton returned to NBA action after a 472-day hiatus, playing 16 minutes in a 123–112 preseason win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Hilton Coliseum, his alma mater. He posted seven points, six assists, two blocks and one steal while shooting 3-for-8 from the field (1-for-3 on three-pointers). This was his first NBA appearance since rupturing his right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
Background & Context
Haliburton’s injury occurred on June 22, 2025 during the Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Surgery and rehabilitation were complicated by a bout of shingles, causing additional setbacks and forcing him to miss the entire 2025-26 season.
Timeline
- June 22, 2025 – Achilles rupture in NBA Finals Game 7.
- October 4, 2026 – Participated in a Pacers “FanJam” scrimmage, his first on-court action since the injury.
- October 7, 2026 – Preseason game at Hilton Coliseum; official NBA return.
Data & Statistics
- Minutes played: 16 (first half).
- Scoring line: 7 points, 6 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal.
- Shooting: 3-of-8 FG, 1-of-3 3PT.
- Attendance: 13,952 fans.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Rick Carlisle praised Haliburton’s work ethic: “He just kept working and working and working, and he just had his eye on this game.” Haliburton expressed gratitude for being back: “Even today, as I was struggling to start the game, and I was tired as hell, but even through that, I just kept feeling like, man, I’m playing again, how thankful I am.” He added, “I think it’ll be different come Game One of the real season.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Haliburton bought every ticket in the student sections to recreate a college-basketball atmosphere, noting, “I know that nobody is as passionate about Iowa State as the current students, so I’m excited for them to be there and just experience all that.” The student line wrapped around the building hours before tip-off, with chants of “We want Hali!” and “Put your shoes on” as his sandals signaled the end of his night.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of student tickets Haliburton purchased; no official count has been released by the Pacers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He just kept working and working and working, and he just had his eye on this game,” — Rick Carlisle
- “Even today, as I was struggling to start the game, and I was tired as hell, but even through that, I just kept feeling like, man, I'm playing again, how thankful I am,” — Tyrese Haliburton
- “I think it'll be different come Game One of the real season,” — Tyrese Haliburton
- “I think it's obviously the loudest preseason game I've ever been a part of.” — Tyrese Haliburton
What’s Next
The Pacers will continue their preseason schedule before opening the regular season later in October. Haliburton expects his role to expand as the team evaluates his conditioning and chemistry with new center Ivica Zubac.