Tyrese Haliburton is finding his rhythm as the Pacers host the 76ers

Tyrese

Haliburton

ranks

second

in

the

league

assists,

averaging

9.5

per

game.

Tyrese Haliburton has stepped back in for the Indiana Pacers with uncommon style and grace, keying their offense like he never left.

It took months of rehabilitation, and the guts to bounce back after the highest of highs — competing in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals — gave way to the lowest of lows.

But after missing a full season with a right Achilles tendon tear, Haliburton is averaging 9.5 apg — second in the Association — and is grateful to be on the court with his teammates.

“It means a lot to be back out here,” said Haliburton to Yahoo Sports. “I’m obviously only 26 years old, but it’s a new perspective that I found, and I’m just really appreciative to be playing.”

He’s pushed the pace

,

resumed his pick-and-roll partnership with Pascal Siakam, and

broke out the self-lob

— to great effect.

Haliburton is at the helm in this edition of Rick Carlisle’s whirring, shifting offense. They move the ball with alacrity; they run intelligently; they attack the rim, bolstered by new center Ivica Zubac.

As they prepare to face the 76ers (

7 ET, ESPN

), Haliburton’s Pacers are third in assists per game (29.3), fifth in fast-break points (19.5) and first in passes per game (331.3).

All those marks are up from last season. They’ve doubled down on their style, with Hali, still getting into shape, at the center of it all.

“The cardio part of it is a big thing,” Haliburton said. “But just getting my legs back is the biggest thing.”

As Haliburton finds his form

he’s showing flashes of the play that helped propel Indiana to the 2025 Finals.