Walking into the arena for his return from an Achilles injury, Indiana Pacers star and WWE fan Tyrese Haliburton paid homage to “The Game,” Triple H, who famously returned from a quad injury in 2002.
Trips took notice of the tribute. He responded to the Pacers' post of Haliburton's pre-game outfit, which included the same denim jacket Triple H wore during his famous 2002 return, saying, “Game. Start. [Hammer and pick emoji].”
Haliburton is a big fan of WWE, so Triple H acknowledging him likely means a lot. Hopefully, the Pacers star is able to appear in the ring again soon. He last appeared in the ring at Saturday Night's Main Event in July 2026, renewing his rivalry with New York Knicks captain Jalen Brunson.
How did Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton play in his return from his Achilles injury?
The Pacers won their first game of the year and had Haliburton back on the floor. The point guard played well in his first game back, logging 23 points in 34 minutes. He also had 12 assists, leading the team.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 30 points. Obi Toppin also scored 20 points off the bench. It was a team effort to take down the New Orleans Pelicans.
This was Haliburton's first game since Game 7 of the NBA Finals in June 2025. He tore his Achilles in the game, and he missed the entire 2025-26 season as a result.
The Pacers struggled without Haliburton last season. They finished 19-63 in the regular season and missed the playoffs one year after almost winning a title.
Since joining the Pacers in 2022, Haliburton has made two NBA All-Star teams and two All-NBA Third Teams. He started his career with the Sacramento Kings, who drafted him in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft out of Iowa State. He was named to the All-Rookie First Team in 2021.