Haliburton on return to Oklahoma City: 'Wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be'
Tyrese Haliburton on returning to Oklahoma City for first time after Achilles tendon tear: 'I thought I would feel maybe a little more emotion'
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -- Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a right Achilles tendon tear in the 2025 NBA Finals, returned to Oklahoma City for the Pacers' preseason game against the Thunder. The 2025-26 season had been sidelined by the injury, leading Haliburton to skip Indiana's previous preseason matchup against the Hawks due to a mild ankle issue.
Haliburton made his return in a 114-112 overtime loss, recording 24 points, three assists and two blocks in just 18 minutes. He expressed feeling "normal" during the game, stating that it wasn't nearly as daunting as he had anticipated. Haliburton's 16 months of rehabilitation culminated in this moment of excitement and progress. The Pacers are set to open the regular season on October 21 against the New Orleans Pelicans.
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