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Tyrese Haliburton recorded 23 points and 12 assists in his first regular-season game since rupturing his right Achilles tendon 16 months ago, helping the Indiana Pacers defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 123-120 on Wednesday night. Pascal Siakam scored 30 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, as Indiana rallied from a double-digit deficit to open the 2026-27 NBA season with a win.
The Pacers trailed 92-86 entering the final period before Haliburton took control. With New Orleans leading 101-93, he scored eight of Indiana’s 10 points in a 90-second stretch, sparking a 15-3 run that put the Pacers ahead 108-104.
The Pelicans fought back, with Zion Williamson tying the game at 116 on a driving layup and free throw. Haliburton answered with baskets on Indiana’s next two possessions to restore a 121-118 lead. Quenton Jackson then converted two free throws to help seal the three-point victory.
Haliburton shot 8-for-15 from the field and made all five of his free throws in 34 minutes. His return marked his first regular-season appearance since the Achilles injury, which he suffered 16 months earlier.
Siakam went 13-for-23 from the field and added eight rebounds. Obi Toppin contributed 20 points off the bench, while Andrew Nembhard scored 18 points and Ivica Zubac finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds.
Williamson led New Orleans with 22 points, three assists and three steals. He also showed progress with his perimeter shooting, making two three-pointers in the second quarter after taking only four attempts from beyond the arc throughout the previous season, converting just one.
The Pelicans had taken control in the second quarter, outscoring Indiana 35-18 to carry a 66-56 lead into halftime. Williamson scored New Orleans’ final eight points of the half, including a three-pointer at the buzzer. The Pacers had opened the game with a 38-point first quarter, shooting 59% from the field.
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Dejounte Murray added 23 points and seven assists for New Orleans, while Yves Missi recorded 13 points and 14 rebounds. Derik Queen had 10 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.
Indiana shot 52% from the field and finished with 29 assists. The Pacers will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, while the Pelicans visit the Utah Jazz that night.
