Tyrese Haliburton broke down in tears after his return to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, according to Newsweek and Forbes. It was his first regular-season game since he tore his Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.

Haliburton scored 23 points with 12 assists as the Pacers beat the New Orleans Pelicans 123-120, Newsweek and Field Level Media reported. It was the season opener for both teams.

He cried during a postgame interview with Pacers broadcaster Jeremiah Johnson, Newsweek and Forbes reported. "It means a lot to be back out here," Haliburton said, according to Newsweek. "I'm just really thankful to be back out here."

It was his first regular-season game in 559 days, Forbes reported. He missed all of last season. Without him, the Pacers went 19-63, Newsweek said.

Haliburton said two people checked on him the most during his recovery outside of his family, Forbes reported. One was Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray, who also came back from a torn Achilles. The other was Triple H, the retired WWE wrestler. Haliburton and Murray hugged by the Pacers bench before the game, Forbes said.

Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 30 points, Field Level Media reported. The Pacers came back from a 10-point deficit at halftime.

Late in the game, Haliburton got a technical foul for taunting Pelicans player Derik Queen, Field Level Media reported. Players from both teams rushed in to separate them. The Pacers then went on a 13-3 run.

Murray scored 23 points for New Orleans, and Zion Williamson had 22, Field Level Media said. Williamson missed a shot near the basket in the final minute.

"Means the world to be back in the fight with my brothers," Haliburton wrote on social media, Newsweek reported. The Pacers play their home opener against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night.

What we know: Haliburton returned with 23 points and 12 assists in a 123-120 win.
What we don't: How the Pacers will manage his minutes as the season goes on.