The Indiana Pacers secured a 123-120 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night. This win marked the highly anticipated return of Tyrese Haliburton, who has not played a significant game since suffering an Achilles injury during the 2025 NBA Finals.
The 486-day shadow of the 2025 NBA Finals
The Indiana Pacers are attempting to move past a difficult period following a 19-63 record last season. as reported by the source, the team's trajectory changed significantly when Tyrese Haliburton suffered a major Achilles injury during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals , sidelining him for the entirety of the previous season.
This long absence made Wednesday's season opener a miestone for the two-time All-NBA member. while Haliburton appeared in three preseason contests, this matchup in New Orleans represented his first true return to competitive basketball in 486 days.
Haliburton’s 23-point performance at Smoothie King Center
Tyrese Haliburton delivered a commanding performance to anchor the Pacers' offense during his comeback. He finished the night with 23 points and 12 assists, shooting 53.3 percent from the field over 34 minutes of play. According to the report, Haliburton was visibly moved by the moment, fighting back tears during a post-game interview with Indiana broadcaster Jeremiah Johnson.
Despite the successful stat line, the performance was not without scrutiny. Some Pacers fans on social media expressed dissatisfaction with his rhythm during various stretches of the game. However, Haliburton's ability to drive to the rim with force provided a much-needed spark after the Pacers fell into a double-digit deficit following a difficult second quarter.
A 50-42 rebounding deficit and bench inconsistencies
The Indiana Pacers struggled to control the glass despite a strong individual effort from Ivica Zubac. While Zubac recorded a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds, the New Orleans Pelicans ultimately out-rebounded Indiana 50-42. This lack of interior dominance forced the Pacers to rely heavily on scoring bursts to stay competitive.
The Pacers' bench provided mixed results during the opening night victory. Obi Toppin was a standout performer, contributing 20 points, while Quenton Jackson added 6 points and 3 steals in 15 minutes. Conversely, other players struggled to find their footing, including Jarace Walker, who committed four turnovers and shot just 1-for-6 from the field.
The impact of Aaron Nesmith’s absence on the rotation
Several questions remain regarding the Pacers' roster depth as the 2026-27 season begins. The team was forced to play without Aaron Nesmith, who missed the opener due to an injury, leaving a gap in the starting lineup. It remains to be seen how the team will integrate Kelly Oubre Jr. into the rotation to compensate for these absences.
The effectiveness of the secondary unit also remains an unverified variable for head coach expectations. While the Pacers secured a 1-0 start , the struggles of players like Larry Nance Jr., who appeared uncomfortable in limited minutes, suggest that the team's depth may be tested as the season progresses.
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