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October 14, 2026 at 1:30 PM UTC

Postgame Report

Thunder Hold Off Pacers 114-112 as Haliburton Makes His Return to Oklahoma City

In a preseason rematch of the Finals, Oklahoma City beat Indiana by two while Tyrese Haliburton scored 24 in 18 minutes in his first game back in the building.

OKC Thunder Starting Lineup vs. Indiana Pacers — Sports Illustrated
OKC Thunder Starting Lineup vs. Indiana Pacers — Sports Illustrated

As Finals rematches go, this one carried about as little weight as one can. The Thunder beat the Pacers 114-112 on Tuesday night in a preseason game that felt like a reunion more than a contest. Rotations ran long on both sides, and the final margin came down to a couple of possessions that neither coach will study for long.

The night belonged to Tyrese Haliburton anyway. He was back in Oklahoma City for the first time since he tore his right Achilles in Game 7, a game the Thunder won 103-91 to take the title. He had been uncertain after sitting out the Atlanta game with an ankle tweak, but he started and played 18 minutes. He scored 24 points with three rebounds and three assists, and the Pacers looked like a different team while he was on the floor.

He missed the entire 2025-26 season, during which Indiana went a franchise-worst 19-63, and he did not make the January trip here. Ivica Zubac gave him help in the middle with 13 points, 13 rebounds and five assists in 18 minutes. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 12 and Jay Huff 11 off the bench. Jalen Slawson played a team-high 33 minutes for Indiana without scoring.

Oklahoma City was on the second night of a back-to-back, and it showed in how the minutes were spread. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played 23 minutes for 15 points and six assists. Jared McCain led the Thunder with 20 off the bench in 19 minutes, and Jalen Williams had 16. It was the last home preseason game for the Thunder, who open the regular season against Denver on Oct. 22. Whatever they take from this one, it will not be much.

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