Indiana Pacers did it again. In an NBA Playoffs 2025 marked by the impossible, Rick Carlisle 's team staged one of the most improbable comebacks in recent history by storming Madison Square Garden with a 135-138 overtime win that leaves the New York Knicks psychologically knocked out in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
I have no memory of anything like it.pic.twitter.com/je8jYP0Zlp
- Sixth Man (@6toHombreLATAM) May 22, 2025
The Pacers were down 121-112 with 58 seconds left, yet forced overtime thanks to a three-pointer fest by Aaron Nesmith and an agonizing basket by Tyrese Haliburton, who once again dressed as a hero and left his indelible mark. The point guard finished with 31 points and 11 assists, but his performance will be remembered above all for a shot that touched the rim, went up to the sky and fell inside for the 125-all tie, accompanied by a Reggie Miller-like celebration: holding his hands around his neck like on that magical night in 1994 in front of Spike Lee.
Aaron Nesmith, in a trance: 8 three-pointers with 30 points
The comeback started with three consecutive three-pointers by Aaron Nesmith in the last minute. The shooting guard finished with 30 points and an impressive 8/9 on three-pointers, several of them in decisive moments while battling Jalen Brunson on defense. The "Miracle in the Garden" also included an unlikely basket by Haliburton that, although thought to be a three-pointer at first, was reviewed and determined to have been on the line: it was only worth two points, but it was enough to tie the game.
THE PACERS MOUNT an EPIC COMEBACK (again) to WIN GAME 1 of the ECF in OT 🔥.
Down 17, 6:46 left in regulation.
Down 14, 2:40 left in regulation.
Down 9, 52 seconds left in regulation.
13 PTS in OT.
Aaron Nesmith with 6 3PM & Tyrese Haliburton with ANOTHER clutch shot 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NBWNhphPMl
- NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2025
In overtime, the Pacers held their nerve and sealed the win with key actions from Haliburton, Myles Turner and a tireless T.J. McConnell.
Historic Stat: 1-970
Prior to tonight, teams losing by 14 points or more with 2:50 to play had a record of 0-970. With this feat, the Pacers change that stat: it's now 1-970.
TYRESE HALIBURTON SENDS IT TO OVERTIME 🔥
Reggie Miller choke sign 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/jOV2envxi9
- ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 22, 2025
And it is that Indiana had also come back 7 points in 34.7 seconds against the Bucks in the first round, and the same difference against the Cavaliers in 'semis'. Three miracles in the same playoff.
Haliburton vs Brunson, duel of stars
Tyrese Haliburton has made it his mission to turn every playoffs into a stage to respond to those who labeled him overrated in anonymous player surveys. He scored the winning shot against Milwaukee, sealed the game with a three-pointer against Cleveland and now he has matched an impossible game at the Cathedral of Basketball.
Jalen Brunson's up to 3⃣1⃣ on the night!
Pacers/Knicks in the 4Q of Game 1 on TNT. pic.twitter.com/BQrqpzuUdI
- NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2025
On the other side, Jalen Brunson shined with 43 points and Karl-Anthony Towns surprised with 35 and 4 three-pointers, more than in their entire previous series. But even that wasn't enough.
The Knicks let a gem slip away
With OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges chipping in 16 points apiece, and with an unexpected Cameron Payne showing up after weeks off the bench to add off the bench, the Knicks seemed to have it all under control. Even without Brunson on the court for part of the last quarter due to fouls, they had a 17-point lead, but they couldn't close it out.
KAT TOUGH TRIPLE in the CORNER 😤🎯
It's a 13-1 run for the Knicks in the 2Q of Game 1!#NBAConferenceFinals presented by Google on TNT pic.twitter.com/dYm171oxGT
- NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2025
Thibodeau's decision not to squeeze his star as usual could be analyzed days later with critical perspective. Too much confidence? Lack of killer instinct?
WHAT A SHOT BY TYRESE HALIBURTON 🤯🤯🤯🤯 https://t.co/8wEwdkeRwZ pic.twitter.com/s497GwRWi9
- NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2025
Upcoming game: Game 2 at the Garden.
Game 2 between Knicks and Pacers will be played again at Madison Square Garden. After this emotional blow, it will be key to see how the New York team reacts to an unleashed Indiana, unpredictable and able to come back to life when nobody expects it.