Pascal Siakam scored 30 points, including 18 in the final quarter, as Tyrese Haliburton returned from a 16-month Achilles injury to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 123-120 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Trailing 92-86 entering the fourth quarter, the Pacers found their rhythm when Haliburton took control. He scored eight of Indiana’s 10 points in a 90-second stretch, erasing a 101-93 Pelicans lead. Indiana outscored New Orleans 15-3 during that run to take a 108-104 advantage.
Zion Williamson, who finished with 22 points, tied the game at 116 with a layup and a foul shot. But Haliburton responded with powerful moves on the following two possessions, pushing the Pacers ahead 121-118. Quenton Jackson then sealed the victory with two free throws in the closing moments.
Obi Toppin contributed 20 points for Indiana, while Ivica Zubac recorded a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Andrew Nembhard added 18 points. For the Pelicans, Dejounte Murray scored 23 points, and Yves Missi pulled down 14 rebounds alongside his 13 points.
Williamson expanded his offensive game, stepping beyond his usual range late in the second quarter. He made back-to-back three-pointers from both wings after being left open by the Pacers. Last season, Williamson attempted only four three-pointers and made just one, but offseason work focused on widening his shooting range, particularly mid-range jumpers.
The Pacers started strong, shooting 59% in the first quarter and leading 38-31. But the Pelicans fought back in the second, limiting Indiana to 33% shooting and outscoring them 35-18 to take a 66-56 lead at halftime. Williamson scored the final eight points of the first half.
Haliburton’s return was a key storyline. This was his first regular-season game since rupturing his right Achilles tendon 16 months ago. His performance showed no signs of rust as he stepped up when the team needed him most.
The Pacers will host Milwaukee on Friday night. The Pelicans travel to Utah on the same day.
According to Yahoo Sports.