Haliburton returns to game action at Hilton Coliseum
Tyrese Haliburton returned to NBA game action as the Indiana Pacers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 123–112 at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, on October 7, October 8 in the Philippines. The guard finished with seven points and six assists in 16 minutes.
The appearance ended a lengthy absence following the Achilles injury he suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. It also brought him back to Iowa State, where he played college basketball before entering the NBA. The occasion marked a return to competition, with the Pacers still working through their preseason preparations.
Haliburton shot 3-for-8 from the field and added two blocks and a steal. Indiana opened with a 32–27 first quarter but trailed 65–61 at halftime after Minnesota scored 38 in the second period. A 38–26 third quarter put the Pacers back in control.
Aaron Nesmith scored 19 points for Indiana, while Jay Huff contributed 16. Minnesota received 19 points from Anthony Edwards and 16 from Jaden McDaniels. The Timberwolves made 19 three-pointers but could not protect their halftime advantage.
Indiana’s exhibition record moved to 1–0 and Minnesota’s to 1–1. The result does not count toward the regular-season standings. For the Pacers, Haliburton’s first game back supplied a starting point for rebuilding on-court rhythm before the games begin to count.