NBA: Siakam and Haliburton engineer Indiana comeback at New Orleans
With 30 points from Pascal Siakam and a decisive return from Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana beat New Orleans 123–120. Yves Missi posted a double-double in defeat.
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Indiana had to wait until the final quarter to turn their season opener into a win. The Pacers won 123–120 at New Orleans on Wednesday 21 October in the United States, which was overnight from Wednesday to Thursday in Brazzaville. Pascal Siakam finished with 30 points and eight rebounds. Alongside him, Tyrese Haliburton returned to regular-season action with 23 points and 12 assists, before playing a decisive part in the finish.
New Orleans turn around a turbulent first half
The visitors had made the better start. Indiana scored 38 points in the first quarter, against 31 for the Pelicans, with an offence that took its first chances. That lead did not survive New Orleans' response. In the second quarter, the hosts won the period 35–18 and took control of the game.
Zion Williamson in particular changed the complexion of the end of the first half. The big man scored the Pelicans' last eight points before the break, including two three-pointers. His buzzer-beater sent New Orleans into the locker room with a ten-point lead, 66–56. Indiana, far less efficient during that stretch, had to rebuild their offence.
Haliburton takes charge in the final act
The Pacers began to cut the deficit after the break, without immediately turning the game around. New Orleans still led 92–86 after three quarters, then 101–93 in the fourth. That was when Haliburton stepped up. The point guard scored eight of his team's ten points in a 90 seconds spell. Indiana swung the balance of power with a 15–3 run to lead 108–104.
The Pelicans' resistance prolonged the suspense. Williamson levelled the scores at 116–116 with a basket plus a free throw. Haliburton answered on the next two possessions. Indiana regained a 121–118 lead, then Quenton Jackson added two free throws to allow the visitors to finish ahead. The Pacers won the fourth quarter 37–28.
For Haliburton, this return goes beyond the night's result. It was his first regular-season game since rupturing his right Achilles tendon in the 2025 Finals. Indiana have got back a point guard capable of running the offence and deciding the tightest possessions.
Siakam decisive, Missi solid in defeat
Siakam powered the comeback. The Cameroonian made 13 of his 23 shots over the game. Indiana also benefited from 20 points from Obi Toppin off the bench, 18 from Andrew Nembhard and 16 from Ivica Zubac. That spread gave the Pacers several options when the game tightened.
For the home side, Dejounte Murray scored 23 points and Williamson added 22. Yves Missi provided a significant presence in the paint: the Cameroonian centre finished with 13 points and 14 rebounds. His double-double was not enough to prevent the late turnaround, however. New Orleans let slip a game they had controlled for long spells, while Indiana begin their campaign with an away win.
Find the score and statistics on the SNA match page.
The finish on the NBA channel
The player below shows the final four minutes and eleven seconds of the game.