Tyrese Haliburton made his long-awaited return to the NBA on Wednesday night, playing for the Indiana Pacers against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a preseason game at Hilton Coliseum, his college alma mater, Iowa State University. Haliburton's comeback is especially notable as he had been sidelined for 472 days due to an Achilles injury he sustained during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
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In his return, Haliburton contributed seven points and six assists, helping the Pacers secure a 123-112 victory over the Timberwolves. The atmosphere in the arena was electrifying, with Haliburton reflecting on the experience by stating, "I think it’s obviously the loudest preseason game I’ve ever been a part of."
Before the game, Haliburton made headlines by purchasing tickets for the entire student section, ensuring that Iowa State students could attend and cheer him on during this significant moment.
This preseason game not only marked a successful return for Haliburton but also showcased his connection to Iowa State, as he expressed excitement about playing in a familiar venue. His journey back to the court has been filled with challenges, but Wednesday night’s game served as a positive milestone in his recovery.