Haliburton’s Scoring Surge Amid Lillard’s Slump
Tyrese Haliburton averages 21.8 points and 9.5 assists in the 2026-27 season, marking a sharp increase from his prior output. This surge supports the Indiana Pacers while Damian Lillard recovers from a torn Achilles tendon and prepares for his return during All-Star weekend.
Tyrese Haliburton is averaging 21.8 points and 9.5 assists per game in the 2026-27 season, a clear departure from his previous output. This surge coincides with Damian Lillard’s continued absence from the court following a torn Achilles tendon sustained in Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers last summer. The Portland Trail Blazers are currently sitting at 26-28 in ninth place in the Western Conference, a record that exceeds expectations despite losing their head coach before opening night. Haliburton’s production is driving the Pacers’ offensive engine while Lillard works on live on-court recovery.
Haliburton’s Offensive Numbers
The statistics confirm a significant uptick in scoring efficiency for the Indiana point guard. In four games played this season, Haliburton has recorded 87 total points, shooting 51.6% from the field and 37.0% from three-point range. His free throw percentage sits at an impressive 86.7%, indicating reliable execution at the line. These figures contrast sharply with his 2024-25 season, where he averaged only 9.7 points per game over three appearances. The current pace suggests a player fully recovered and operating at peak capacity.
Road performance has been particularly strong for Haliburton, who averages 23.0 points in three away games compared to just 18.0 points in one home contest. Against the Milwaukee Bucks, he posted 22 points and 9 assists in a single matchup. The data shows no dip in production when playing in hostile environments like New Orleans or Brooklyn, where he scored 23 and 24 points respectively. This consistency marks a major improvement over his earlier struggles with "lack of aggression" and energy levels noted in previous playoff runs. You already know he is a top-tier passer, but these scoring numbers prove he can carry the load offensively as well.
Lillard’s Recovery and Impact
Damian Lillard missed the entire 2025-26 season due to his injury, spending the time observing the team from the bench. He described this period as offering a "coach’s perspective," allowing him to see how teammates respond to adversity and where the team struggles. Lillard remains proud of the Blazers’ competitive spirit, noting they did not fold despite early setbacks. The team reached the playoffs after finishing 42-40 in the regular season before falling to the San Antonio Spurs in the first round.
Lillard has confirmed he has started live on-court work and will continue this process. He plans to make his season debut during All-Star weekend by participating in the 3-point contest. This return is critical for a team that needs better shooting, a priority Lillard explicitly stated in his end-of-season press conference. While the Blazers have shown growth under interim head coach Tiago Splitter, the absence of Lillard’s playmaking limited their ceiling. The question remains whether his physical recovery will allow him to replicate the high-level impact seen in his previous seasons.
