NEW ORLEANS, La. (WISH) — The Indiana Pacers took down the New Orleans Pelicans 123-120 on Wednesday night in the season opener.
After trailing by 10 points at halftime, the Pacers slowly worked their way back and took their first lead of the second half with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton made his long-awaited return to an NBA floor. It had been 486 days since Haliburton’s last NBA game, and he picked up right where he left off. Haliburton finished with 23 points and 12 assists with plenty of clutch baskets in crunch time.
With the game tied 118-118 and 90 seconds left to play, Haliburton drove to his left and knocked down a left-handed shot plus the foul to put Indiana ahead.
Forward Pascal Siakam played a huge role down the stretch as well. Siakam checked back into the game with four minutes remaining and scored a quick eight points to keep the Pacers alive. Siakam finished with a team-high 30 points and 8 rebounds.
Haliburton scored 13 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter alone with three separate and-ones.
Center Ivica Zubac made his impact felt right away. Zubac ended with 16 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks. Andrew Nembhard added 18 points and nine assists, and Obi Toppin chipped in 20 points off the bench with four made three-pointers.
The 1-0 Indiana Pacers will play their home opener inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse against the Dallas Mavericks.
