Haliburton Drives Indiana Past New Orleans in Season Opener

October 22, 2026 - 12:00

Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers are starting the season off 1-0 with a win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pacers leaned on their star guard down the stretch, turning a tight game into a fourth quarter takeover that left little doubt about who controlled the final minutes.

Haliburton set the tone with his pace and decision making, repeatedly finding open shooters and creating clean looks when the offense stalled. Indiana trailed for stretches but never let the game slip away, and once the fourth quarter began, the team shifted into a higher gear on both ends of the floor. The defense tightened up, forcing contested shots and turning stops into quick points in transition.

New Orleans kept the pressure on behind strong play in the paint, but the Pacers answered every run with timely shot making and composure at the free throw line. The closing stretch belonged to Haliburton, who balanced scoring with playmaking and kept his teammates involved rather than forcing the moment.

It is only one game, but the opener offered a clear look at what Indiana wants to be this year: fast, unselfish, and confident in late game situations. The Pacers will look to carry that momentum into their next matchup.