The Indiana Pacers tipped off their preseason slate with a 123-112 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, a game that marked a significant return for their star guard, Tyrese Haliburton. This was Haliburton’s first NBA action since he suffered a torn Achilles in the 2025 NBA Finals, making his presence on the court the biggest story of the night.
Haliburton Back on the Court
Haliburton wasted no time getting back into the rhythm, playing 16 minutes and contributing 7 points and 6 assists. His return from such a devastating injury is huge news for the Pacers and their fans. The game itself held a special significance, taking place in Ames, Iowa, at Haliburton’s alma mater, Iowa State’s Hilton Coliseum. Seeing him back in action, making plays, and moving well after a serious Achilles tear is definitely something to cheer about.
Bench Takes the Spotlight
With the preseason opener, the Pacers’ coaching staff opted to limit the minutes for their starters in the first half. This decision opened the door for the team’s reserves to step up and make their mark, which they certainly did. Jarace Walker stood out, delivering an efficient game with an impressive 10 assists while committing only one turnover. It’s a promising sign when the bench can come in and maintain such high-level play, showing depth and potential for the season ahead.
This opening win sets the stage for the Pacers’ preseason slate, with Haliburton’s return and Walker’s efficient play being key takeaways from the night.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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