Tyrese Haliburton returns from Achilles injury in preseason game in Ames, where he bought out the Iowa State student section

Tyrese Haliburton returned to action during his preseason debut with the Indiana Pacers at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, marking his first game since tearing his right Achilles tendon in the 2025 NBA Finals. The Pacers secured a 123-112 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Haliburton's return came after a 16-month absence due to his injury.

Playing as a college athlete at Iowa State, Haliburton spent two seasons at Hilton Coliseum before being drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2020. The Pacers finished the 2025-26 season with a 19-63 record, their worst in franchise history without Haliburton. Despite the tough showing, Haliburton was determined to make a strong comeback.

He addressed the Cyclones fans before the game, expressing his appreciation for their support and their significance to him. Haliburton played for 16 minutes, scoring seven points and assisting six times, getting his first points just minutes into the contest.