Tyrese Haliburton Dominated in Emotional Game Back at OKC

On June 22, 2025, NBA star Tyrese Haliburton suffered a devastating injury, tearing his right Achilles tendon during the NBA Finals Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center. This injury forced Haliburton to sit out the entire 2025-26 season. He returned to play only after over a year, on October 7, 2026, during a Pacers preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Haliburton missed the following game but showed up to the next one in Oklahoma City, the site of his previous emotional experience.

The atmosphere was understandably charged for Haliburton, who recalled that the last time he played in Oklahoma City, his life had dramatically changed. However, he managed to channel his emotions into an exceptional performance. On Wednesday night at the Paycom Center, Haliburton dominated the game, tallying 24 points, three rebounds, and three assists in 18 minutes.

He recorded four three-pointers, demonstrating his sharp shooting ability. Surprisingly, the emotions he anticipated did not overwhelm him; instead, he felt like he was playing normally, as if the ball was just jumping up for him.

After the game, Haliburton shared his thoughts with The Oklahoman's Jordan Davis. He admitted that he was eager to play on Wednesday so he could "rip the Band-Aid off" coming to Oklahoma City, hoping to eliminate any lingering emotional burden during the season. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle expressed his pride in Haliburton for overcoming his inner struggles and playing admirably.

He emphasized that seeing Haliburton playing at his prime again would be a welcome sight for the team. Haliburton will not return to Oklahoma City until February 5, allowing him to focus on the Pacers' championship aspirations.