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Tyrese Haliburton returns from Achilles injury in preseason game in Ames, where he bought out the Iowa State student section

Tyrese Haliburton made his first appearance in more than 16 months when the Indiana Pacers opened their preseason against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, posting a 123-112 victory. The former Cyclone, who tore his right Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, logged 7 points and 6 assists in 16 minutes, scoring his first basket early in the game.

Before tip‑off Haliburton bought tickets for the entire Iowa State student section, which was entered through a lottery, and addressed the crowd, expressing his love for the program that helped launch his career. The Pacers, who went 19‑63 without him in 2025‑26, will now look to build around his return as they head toward a regular‑season opener on Oct.

21 against the New Orleans Pelicans.

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