Emotional Moment in the NBA: Sidelined by Severe Injury All Last Season, Star Breaks Down in Tears on Court /VIDEO/

Pulse Sports Team 09:07 - 22 October 2026

Tyrese Haliburton could not hold back his emotions after playing his first official NBA game since tearing his Achilles tendon last year.

Speaking in a post-game interview right after Indiana's 123-120 season-opening victory over New Orleans, Haliburton broke down in tears as he reflected on his return to the hardwood.

"It means so much to me just to be back out here on the court," a visibly emotional Haliburton said through tears.

As a reminder, Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the opening minutes of Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The devastating injury shattered the Indiana Pacers' title hopes as they lost the decisive game, forcing Haliburton to miss the entire 2025/26 season to fully recover.

After more than a year on the sidelines, Haliburton is officially back. In Indiana's road win at New Orleans, he posted 23 points and 12 assists in 34 minutes on the floor.