Return to the floor
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton returned to action on Wednesday night during a 123-112 preseason victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Iowa State. It was his first game in more than 16 months, following a torn Achilles he suffered during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Haliburton played 16 minutes in the first half, scoring seven points on 3 of 8 shooting with six assists, one steal, and two blocks.
After the game, Haliburton admitted he felt like he was playing too fast because of a lot of adrenaline. He compared himself to a rookie, noting that while his body moved too quickly, he could still read the floor at his usual speed. He said he knows improvement is needed and that getting game reps against other players will help.
College memories and fans
The game was played at Iowa State, where Haliburton played college basketball from 2018 to 2020. He struggled to sleep the night before due to the anticipation. To help create a college atmosphere, Haliburton bought out the student section at both ends of the arena so seats were free for students on a first come, first serve basis. Fans lined up hours before tip off, with some arriving at 11 p.m. the night prior.
Haliburton called it the loudest preseason game he had ever been a part of. When he sat on the bench in the fourth quarter, fans chanted for him to return to the game and later chanted for him to put his shoes on. Haliburton, who was wearing white sandals and socks after leaving his basketball shoes in the locker room, laughed and said he was not tempted to go back in.
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