Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton was visibly overcome with emotion after making a triumphant return from a torn Achilles tendon on Wednesday, Oct. 21, leading Indiana to a 123-120 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in their season opener.
As he gazed up at the cheering fans in the Smoothie King Center and was asked in the postgame interview how much fun he was having in his return, Haliburton could not hold back his tears as the emotion of the moment overwhelmed him.
"I'm just really thankful to be back out here," Haliburton said, voice trembling with emotion.
In the game against the Pelicans, Haliburton recorded
23 points, two rebounds and 12 assists in 34 minutes.
Haliburton acknowledged that the team still has plenty of room for growth, but expressed optimism about their direction. “We have a lot to improve on and Pacers basketball is coming along,” he said. “I’m really proud of this group.”
This was his first game back since suffering a right Achilles tendon tear in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 22, 2025, a game in which the Pelicans ultimately lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who later went on to claim their first NBA title.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton makes emotional return from Achilles injury
