Oct 21, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) dribbles against New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Oct 21, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) dribbles against New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 123-120, in his first regular season game since returning from injury. The Pacers’ star finished with 23 points, 12 assists, two rebounds, and one steal, shooting 8-for-15 from the field (53.3% FG) and 2-for-6 from the three-point line (33.3% 3P).
Near the end of the game, Haliburton said some intense words to Derik Queen that clearly riled up the Pelicans player. Queen also responded aggressively to Haliburton before other players and coaches intervened to separate them.
Haliburton VS Queen 👀
— MAL (@MindOfBron) October 22, 2026
Tyrese Haliburton was assessed a technical foul for his role in creating this altercation. Haliburton was clearly emotional after missing an entire season of NBA action. Even in his postgame interview, the Pacers’ star cried as he described what it felt like to return after his injury.
“It means a lot to be back out here… we’re battle-tested, so we finished the game the right way, so I’m really proud of this group,” Haliburton said while wiping the tears off his face.
Even in his postgame press conference, Haliburton admitted he didn’t think he’d cry, but he felt overwhelmed when he saw the Pacers’ fans in the building.
“Just the appreciation, man,” Haliburton said, explaining what made him cry in that moment. “Perspective is everything, and as the game was going on, I was struggling a little bit. Like I was just tired, and we were not playing well; I was not playing well.”
“And in that moment I was just on the bench, and usually it’s like, ‘I need this game to get done, so I can breathe and get to tomorrow.’ But in that moment, I just took a step back when I was on the bench, and I said, ‘Man, I’m back playing, you know?”
Thousands of NBA fans saw his remarks on social media and flooded it with heartfelt reactions to his return.
“I respect Hali; you can tell he genuinely loves the game.”
“NBA is better when Hali is healthy 💯.”
“Very emotional game. I feel him; it’s all good, Hali. Let it out.”
“We missed you so much.”
“Welcome back, GOAT.”
“How can anyone hate this man?”
Clearly, fans showered him with love and appreciation for how strongly he feels about the game everybody follows so passionately. A few hours before the game, Haliburton also released a short video showcasing his journey back from the sidelines after 486 days, since he tore his Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
Zero Doubt. https://t.co/ZNzYqEj9VO
— Tyrese Haliburton (@Hali) October 21, 2026
Tyrese Haliburton’s return was ultimately defined by the emotion and gratitude surrounding it, despite the controversial exchange with Derik Queen. The Pacers star gave fans another reason to rejoice by reminding everyone how much basketball means to him after 486 days away.
The Pacers now face the Mavericks on Friday, October 23, in Haliburton’s home debut after injury. The crowd at Indiana’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse will certainly be delighted to see their star back in action.