# Haliburton shines in return, Pacers top Pelicans

> Pacers star Haliburton returns with 23 points and 12 assists as team beats Pelicans 123-120.
- Title: Haliburton shines in return, Pacers top Pelicans | Shortify
- Summary: Pacers star Haliburton returns with 23 points and 12 assists as team beats Pelicans 123-120. Indiana Pacers defeat New Orleans Pelicans 123-120 in season…
- Keywords: tyrese haliburton, indiana pacers, new orleans pelicans, nba, 2026-2027 season, season opener, haliburton 23 points, haliburton 12 assists, 123-120 score, sports, Haliburton, shines
- Source: Indiana Pacers On SI — https://si.com/nba/pacers/onsi/haliburton-shines-in-return-as-pacers-top-pelicans-01m5germz8g9
- Published: 2026-10-22T02:50:28+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tyrese haliburton, indiana pacers, new orleans pelicans, nba, 2026-2027 season, season opener, haliburton 23 points, haliburton 12 assists, 123-120 score, sports
## Haliburton returns after 486 days
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton played in a meaningful game after 486 days absence.
## Pacers defeat Pelicans 123-120
Indiana Pacers beat New Orleans Pelicans 123-120 in season opener.
## Haliburton's game highlights
Haliburton scored first points and led Pacers to early lead with 23 points and 12 assists.
## Haliburton's post-game comments
Haliburton said winning after tough second quarter shows team is battle tested.

> It means a lot to be back out here. We got a lot to pick up. Second quarter wasn't good, but we're battle tested. Really proud of this group.
## Zubac shows value
Ivica Zubac recorded 16 points and 14 rebounds with two blocks and +11 rating.
## Pacers need more from bench
Pacers struggled on glass with 50-42 rebounding gap and bench players underperforming.
## Bench performance issues
Obi Toppin scored 20 points while others struggled with turnovers and low minutes.
## Pacers' season record
Pacers win season opener with 1-0 record after tough road game.
## Key takeaway

Indiana Pacers defeat New Orleans Pelicans 123-120 in season opener with Haliburton scoring 23 points and 12 assists.