Tyrese Haliburton was introduced at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday night for the first time since Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
One game later, Haliburton tore his right Achilles in the first quarter of Game 7 at Oklahoma City. The Thunder won 103-91 and took the title. He missed all of 2025-26, and the Indiana Pacers finished 19-63.
This state and this fan base mean a lot to Haliburton.
"It's special, man," Haliburton said. "I don't take basketball for granted. I don't take the opportunity to be healthy and be back on the floor doing what I love for granted. And this state, this fan base means a lot to me. It's very much so appreciated, and I'm ready to get to the real games."
Haliburton Gets First Home Run Since 2025 Finals
Friday was the preseason finale against the Milwaukee Bucks, and the crowd was announced at 10,283.
In 20:18, Haliburton scored 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting, made 3 of his 6 attempts from 3-point range, and added 3 rebounds and 6 assists. None of Indiana's starters played in the second half, and Milwaukee won 128-127 in overtime.
He gets a few charley horses a year, and the final play of the first half gave him another.
"I'm good," Haliburton explained. "I just [took] a knee. I get a few charley horses a year, so stretch, and I'll be fine."
Haliburton's preseason started Oct. 7 against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Iowa State, where he played in college. That night was his first game since the Achilles tear.
He missed the Oct. 10 game against the Atlanta Hawks after tweaking his ankle.
On Tuesday, he returned to Paycom Center for the first time since Game 7 and scored 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-6 from 3-point range, in a 114-112 overtime loss.
Bleacher Report ranked him the 17th-best shooter in the NBA heading into the season.
Haliburton, Ryan Rollins Draw Technical Fouls
At the 10:45 mark of the first quarter Friday, Haliburton and Bucks guard Ryan Rollins were each assessed a technical foul.
The two were on opposite sides in the 2025 first round, which Indiana won 4-1. Haliburton had nothing to offer on whether anything between them went back further than Friday.
"I don't know. I couldn't tell you. Next question," Haliburton said.
Rollins started for Milwaukee and had 8 points and 5 assists in 15:42. The Bucks' starters, like Indiana's, did not finish the game.
Game 5 of that 2025 series ended on a Haliburton layup in overtime for a 119-118 win in Indianapolis.
Regular Season Return Comes Next
Indiana went 1-3 in the preseason. Its last two games went to overtime.
Indiana played without Aaron Nesmith, who has a hamstring injury. T.J. McConnell, Jarace Walker, and Johnny Furphy were also inactive, with Furphy out since tearing his right ACL in February.
Wednesday's opener in New Orleans tips at 8 p.m. ET.
Haliburton's first regular-season game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse since the 2025 Finals is set for Friday, Oct. 23, against the Dallas Mavericks, with a 7 p.m. ET tip.
Indiana plays at Milwaukee on Monday, Oct. 26.