{
  "id": 15994845,
  "title": "'It means a lot to be back out here': Tyrese Haliburton tears up after starring in Pacers' opening-night win over Pelicans",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/it-means-a-lot-to-be-back-out-here-tyrese-haliburton-tears-up-after",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-22T03:54:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/it-means-a-lot-to-be-back-out-here-tyrese-haliburton-tears-up-after-starring-in-pacers-opening-night-win-over-pelicans-035548853.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tyrese Haliburton's return to the Indiana Pacers court was met with an emotional outpouring from both the team and the fans on Wednesday night. The 23-year-old point guard, who had been sidelined by a ruptured Achilles tendon and a bout with shingles, led his team to a 123-120 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in their season-opening game. As the final minutes ticked away, Haliburton delivered a clutch performance, scoring 13 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting stretch in the fourth quarter to give the Pacers a three-point lead. After the game, Haliburton broke down in tears during his postgame interview with Pacers sideline reporter Jeremiah Johnson, expressing his gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to play again. \"It means a lot to be back out here,\" he said, his eyes glistening with emotion. \"The Pacers faithful, the city of New Orleans, and this organization have all given me so much, and it feels great to be back in that mix once again.\" Haliburton's 23-point, 12-assist outing showcased his versatility and leadership as the Pacers looked to start their new season on a high note.",
  "summary": "Sixteen months after the injury that paused his career, the Pacers' All-Star point guard return to the floor was an emotional affair.",
  "key_points": [
    "Tyrese Haliburton returns to Pacers court after injury",
    "23-year-old leads team to 123-120 victory over Pelicans",
    "Emotional Haliburton cries during postgame interview"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Haliburton’s successful return from significant injury provides the Pacers with an immediate boost in leadership and offensive versatility as they begin their new season on a winning note.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Tyrese Haliburton breaks down in tears after first game since Achilles tear",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/tyrese-haliburton-breaks-down-in-tears-after-first-game-since",
        "published": "2026-10-22T03:39:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}