Tyrese Haliburton shines in emotional NBA preseason return to Oklahoma City

The NBA preseason is just around the corner, and teams are evaluating their stars as the season draws near. One of the most talked-about candidates for improvement is the Indiana Pacers. Last season, the Pacers finished with the second-worst record in the league, winning only 19 games. However, Tyrese Haliburton's return is expected to significantly impact the Eastern Conference.

Last season, Haliburton tore his Achilles in the first quarter of Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. He started the game strong, scoring nine points in seven minutes and hitting three three-pointers. However, his injury forced him to miss the rest of the game and the remainder of the season.

With preseason games underway, Haliburton made a swift return to the Oklahoma City arena on Tuesday night. He demonstrated his returning form, finishing the first half with 24 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds. Haliburton shot 9-for-14 from the field, including 4-for-6 from beyond the arc. His performance came in just 18 minutes, showcasing his leadership abilities and shooting accuracy.

Haliburton's first-half performance was particularly impressive, scoring all 11 of his points in the opening quarter. The emotional return to Oklahoma City, where he played in the 2025 NBA Finals, highlighted his mental fortitude. With the addition of Ivica Zubac at center, the Pacers are poised to compete at the top of the Eastern Conference. Haliburton's strong return is expected to provide a significant confidence boost for Indiana's playoff aspirations.