Tyrese Haliburton returned to the court for the first time in 472 days during the Indiana Pacers' preseason opening game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 7, championat.com reported.
Tyrese Haliburton Returns After 472-Day Absence
Haliburton missed the entire 2025-26 season following a severe injury sustained in the 2025 NBA Finals. For his return, the guard wore a special number 22 Pacers jersey matching the uniform number he wore during his collegiate career with the Iowa Hawkeyes. He addressed fans before tip-off to thank them for their support.
During the preseason contest, Haliburton logged 16 minutes of playing time. He recorded seven points on three-of-eight shooting from the field, dished out six assists, and committed one turnover. Defensively, he added two blocked shots, one steal, and forced a shot-clock violation against Minnesota.
The Pacers structured their offense around rapid ball movement and quick possessions. Aaron Nesmith scored 19 points prior to halftime, shooting four-for-four from beyond the three-point arc. Coming off the bench, center Jay Huff contributed 16 points and four rebounds.
Jarace Walker Delivers Standout Performance in Preseason Opener
Forward Jarace Walker drew significant attention during his 28 minutes on the floor. He finished the game with seven points, 10 assists, and five rebounds, while posting a plus-minus rating of plus-18. In the third quarter, Walker executed a notable play by throwing the ball off the backboard, catching his own rebound, and immediately passing to an open teammate before the Timberwolves defense could react.
As a team, Indiana outperformed Minnesota across multiple statistical categories. The Pacers shot 53 percent from the field and 53 percent from three-point range, totaled 39 assists compared to Minnesota’s 22, and outrebounded their opponents 43 to 40. However, ball security remained an issue for Indiana as the team accumulated 20 turnovers.
For Minnesota, Anthony Edwards led the scoring effort with 19 points, though the Timberwolves struggled to establish consistent offensive rhythm and ball movement. Star point guard LaMelo Ball recorded 14 points, seven assists, and five turnovers for Minnesota.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pacers-Timberwolves Preseason Matchup
What was the final score of the Indiana and Minnesota preseason game?
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves with a final score of 123-112 on October 7.
How many minutes did Tyrese Haliburton play in his return?
Tyrese Haliburton played 16 minutes in his first game back since suffering an injury in the 2025 NBA Finals.
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