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Updated
Tyrese Haliburton was one of the standout stars of the day. The Pacers point guard played again 486 days later after the Achilles tendon injury he suffered in the 2025 Finals and posted 23 points and 12 assists in the Indiana Pacers' 123-120 victory on the New Orleans Pelicans' court.
The point guard got emotional at the end of the game when thinking about his long recovery process. "It means a lot to be back," he said through tears after the game.
Josh Hart gets the NBA championship trophy braided into his hair for Knicks season openerc
Anthony Davis puts the Wizards above .500
Anthony Davis began his stint with the Washington Wizards with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists in the 128-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. With this win, the capital franchise has a winning record (a mere 1-0, mind you) for the first time since November 28, 2022. 1,423 days have passed.
His 34 points tied the highest scoring mark in a debut with Washington, set by Antawn Jamison in 2004. Davis made 11 of his 20 field-goal attempts and 11 of his 14 free throws.
Without AJ Dybantsa, the top overall pick in the latest draft, Trae Young backed up the center with 20 points and 13 assists.
The Bucks were led in scoring by Tyler Herro, with 24 points and 9 assists, and Mexican Jaime Jaquez Jr., with 22 points and 7 rebounds.
Kawhi returns to Toronto
Kawhi Leonard returned to Toronto, where he won the 2019 championship, with 23 points and six rebounds in the Raptors' 135-92 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
Leonard shared the scoring lead with Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, both with 23 points. RJ Barrett contributed 20 in a 43-point victory that marked Brazilian Tiago Splitter's debut as Chicago's coach.
Jordi Fernández starts with a loss
The Brooklyn Nets, coached by Spaniard Jordi Fernández, also lost, in their case at home, 110-103 to the Charlotte Hornets.
Grayson Allen led Charlotte with 21 points and 5 three-pointers, Naz Reid added 20 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists, and Dennis Schroder contributed 19 points.
Brooklyn couldn't capitalize on Julius Randle's 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.