- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
Tyrese Haliburton made his regular-season comeback after 16 months and powered Indiana to a 123-120 victory over New Orleans on Wednesday night. The Pacers guard finished with 23 points and 12 assists in his first game since rupturing his right Achilles tendon.
Indiana trailed 92-86 entering the fourth quarter and faced a 101-93 deficit before Haliburton scored 8 of the team's 10 points during a 90-second burst. The Pacers then outscored the Pelicans 15-3 to seize a 108-104 edge.
Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 30 points, including 12 in the final period. Obi Toppin added 20 points and Andrew Nembhard contributed 18. Haliburton later converted power plays on consecutive possessions to give Indiana a 121-118 lead after Zion Williamson had tied the contest at 116. Isaiah Jackson sealed the win with two free throws.
Williamson paced New Orleans with 22 points, including back-to-back three-pointers late in the second quarter. He sank a long-range jumper at the halftime buzzer after scoring the final eight points of the half, helping the Pelicans build a 66-56 lead. Dejounte Murray added 23 points, while Yves Missi posted 13 points and 14 rebounds. Ivica Zubac recorded 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Source: ESPN - Wed Oct 21, 11:09 PM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).