The Pacers won their season opener 123–120 against the Pelicans in New Orleans on October 21, local time. Tyrese Haliburton returned to official competition with 23 points and twelve assists after a serious right Achilles injury in Game 7 of the 2025 Finals caused him to miss all of 2025–26. Siakam scored 30 and Zubac added sixteen points and fourteen rebounds, with all three delivering key late possessions.
From ten down at halftime to regaining control in the fourth
Indiana led 38–31 after one quarter but missed its first eight shots of the second, going 4:31 without scoring as New Orleans produced a 12–0 run. The hosts also closed the half 16–5, sending Indiana to the locker room down 66–56. After a third-quarter recovery, the visitors still trailed 92–86.
Haliburton repeatedly attacked the basket in the fourth, scoring thirteen in the period. At one stage he supplied eight straight Pacers points, before Siakam set up a Zubac alley-oop to close to 101–100. With 5:37 remaining, Nembhard's layup gave Indiana its first lead of the second half.
Late on, Siakam scored repeatedly and received Haliburton's pass over the defense to extend the lead to 116–113. Williamson's three-point play tied it; Haliburton and Missi each made a two-pointer for another tie at 118. Haliburton then converted a left-handed floater while fouled and added the free throw, restoring a three-point advantage.
An offensive rebound and two free throws protect the final margin
After New Orleans scored two, Siakam missed a jumper but Zubac secured the offensive rebound to preserve possession. Jackson made both free throws with 45.7 seconds remaining for 123–120. The Pelicans failed to capitalize on subsequent offense and Indiana also committed a traveling turnover, but final three-point attempts by Fears and Williamson missed. Zubac collected the rebound to end the game.
Siakam shot thirteen of 23 for 30 points and eight rebounds. Haliburton made eight of fifteen shots and delivered twelve assists. Reserve Toppin added twenty points, including four of nine threes, and Nembhard had eighteen points and nine assists. Indiana scored 37 in the fourth, nine more than New Orleans, erasing the six-point deficit after three and leaving a three-point lead.
The level of this return matters: Haliburton had already played preseason games, including the home meeting with Milwaukee on October 16; New Orleans marked his regular-season return. In post-game interviews carried by Indiana's official report, he identified game fitness as the main area still to recover. Carlisle emphasized that his clutch play, leadership and belief transmit to teammates.
| Team | First quarter | Second quarter | Third quarter | Fourth quarter | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacers | 38 | 18 | 30 | 37 | 123 |
| Pelicans | 31 | 35 | 26 | 28 | 120 |
INKA SPORTS analysis: A complete closing sequence beyond the returning star
Haliburton's fourth-quarter attacks drove the comeback, but victory required different contributions: Siakam's scoring sustained pressure, Zubac regained possession after a key miss, and Jackson's free throws restored a three-point lead. Reducing the game to the returning star's 23 points would miss how Indiana retained its advantage after missed shots and turnovers.
Moving from six down after three to a nine-point fourth-quarter gain also shows sustained pursuit and cooperation in the final possessions. Haliburton added regular-season demands after preseason appearances while still identifying fitness as an area to improve. His decisive match contributions and long-term consistency after rehabilitation need separate assessment.
Conclusion
The opening win centered on Haliburton restoring his playmaking and rim attacks while connecting Siakam's, Zubac's and the reserves' contributions. For his comeback, 23 points and twelve assists are a positive competitive starting point. For the team, closing the game after a halftime deficit and repeated late ties is the most concrete reward.
