The Pacers and Knicks have been known for their memorable matchups in the playoffs over the years. Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden added another chapter to this historic rivalry. Indiana who have been synonymous with late game comebacks in the 2025 playoffs once again proved it's never over until it's over. Pacers take game one of the Eastern Conference Finals 138-135 in overtime.
The Pacers trailed the Knicks by 14 points with 2:51 remaining in the game before they began a furious comeback. Led by the three point shooting of Aaron Nesmith, who hit six three pointers in the fourth quarter alone and Tyrese Haliburton who had the big shot that sent the game into overtime. As he has done several times this postseason, Haliburton became Mr. Clutch. His game tying shot will be talked about forever. As the clock dwindled down and the Pacers down 125-123, Haliburton drove in the lane only to spin back out and put up a shot from the top of the key. The ball hit the back of the rim, bounced straight up in the air and came down right through the net with no time left. Originally thought as a game winning three pointer was called a two. Overtime. Madison Square Garden was in stunned silence.
Just like Reggie Miller had done 30 years prior, the Pacers had staged another incredible comeback in New York City. Haliburton's celebration afterwards had revitalized old memories from the Pacers and Knicks past. As soon as the shot went in, Haliburton proceeded to give the choke sign to Knicks fans. Reggie Miller was famous for giving the choke sign to Spike Lee in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals.
Indiana didn't let Haliburton's shot go by the wayside as they made key baskets in the extra session to defeat New York 138-135 to take a one game series lead in the best of seven Conference Finals. The Pacers were led in scoring by Haliburton with 31 points, and Aaron Nesmith who scored a career high of 30 points including six three pointers in the fourth quarter alone to match an NBA playoff record. Nesmith and Haliburton became the third Pacers duo to score 30 points each in a playoff game. All five Pacers starters scored in double figures. The Pacers bench was very efficient as well with T.J. McConnell scoring 10 points while Obi Toppin had a team high 10 rebounds and several big dunks in overtime.
The Pacers survived game one despite scoring outbursts from New York. The Knicks were led by Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns. Brunson scored 43 points while Towns added a double double with 35 points and 13 rebounds. New York also had double figure games from Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby who each scored 16 points. New York also out rebounded Indiana 46-39.
This playoff year has been defined by comebacks by the Indiana Pacers. They have won three different games in which they trailed by seven or more points with less than a minute to play. They trailed Milwaukee 118-111 with 34 seconds left in the first round. Trailed Cleveland 119-112 with 46 seconds remaining in the second round. Now they add another improbable win after trailing 121-112 with 52 seconds left against New York. According to research, since 1996-97 teams trailing by seven points in the last 50 seconds of the fourth quarter or overtime are 4-1702. The Pacers have three of those four wins this year. The Pacers scored 23 points in the final 3:14 in regulation which is the most by any team during a run like that in NBA playoff history. Call it improbable, call it unbelievable, call it whatever you want, this Pacers team just will not quit. They have proven the game is never over until the final buzzer sounds.
Game two is set for Friday night. The Pacers seem to have the right mentality going into game two. They know this series is far from over and they understand that New York will come out in a desperate mode and the Pacers must match that intensity. Indiana has stolen the critical home court advantage from the Knicks and they will look to send an even bigger message to New York in game two.
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