The Indiana Pacers pulled off an incredible comeback to take Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Despite trailing for the entire second half and facing a 14-point deficit with just under three minutes left, Indiana rallied behind Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith to force overtime and eventually seal a 1-0 series lead.
Haliburton finished the dramatic fourth-quarter comeback with a buzzer-beater that initially appeared to be a game-winner three. However, a replay review showed his toe was just on the line, turning the shot into a long two and sending the game into overtime.
Pacers comeback
In overtime, the Pacers executed better in key moments, closing out the game with composure. Nesmith was the X Factor, hitting five three-pointers in the fourth quarter to lead the comeback. He finished with 30 points, second only to Haliburton’s 31.
After the game, Haliburton admitted he thought his buzzer-beater was a three. He mimicked the iconic 1994 Reggie Miller celebration against the Knicks before realizing the shot was only worth two. “Everybody wanted me to do that celebration after last year,” he said, laughing. “It felt right in the moment. But if I knew it was a two, I wouldn’t have done it.”
Head coach Rick Carlisle praised the Knicks, saying Indiana has “a lot of respect” for New York’s organization.
Knicks end
For the Knicks, it was a frustrating missed opportunity at home. “We lost intensity and concentration,” said Josh Hart, who recorded a team-high 44 minutes. Jalen Brunson scored 43, but the Pacers managed to keep the ball out of his hands in crunch time. Karl-Anthony Towns added 35 points and 12 rebounds while OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges each added 16 points. “Give them a lot of credit. They closed the game out like they’ve been doing all playoffs,” Brunson said. “Just not really good on our part.”
The Pacers beat the Knicks in Game 7 of the East semifinals at Madison Square Garden last year and will look to do it all over again as they play Game 2 on the road this Friday at MSG.