In a postseason defined by dramatic comebacks, the Indiana Pacers added another unforgettable chapter with a stunning 138-135 overtime win over the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Down 17 early in the fourth quarter and trailing by 14 with under three minutes left, the Pacers erupted on a 20-6 run to force overtime—capped by a heart-stopping shot from Tyrese Haliburton that bounced off the back rim, soared nearly to the shot clock, and dropped in. The MSG crowd was silenced, but Haliburton’s toe on the line made it a game-tying two, not a game-winner.
Haliburton finished with 31 points and 11 assists, while Aaron Nesmith delivered a career-defining performance, pouring in 30 points, including six fourth-quarter threes. Nesmith is the only player since 1998 to hit at least six triples in the fourth quarter of a playoff game.
New York seemed in control after a 16-1 run gave them their largest lead of the night—even with Jalen Brunson on the bench in foul trouble. Brunson still managed 43 points, with Karl-Anthony Towns adding 35 and 12 rebounds. But Indiana stayed poised.
The Pacers seized their first lead since the second quarter with 2:12 left in OT on an Andrew Nembhard layup. From there, the teams traded leads seven times in a wild final stretch.
Haliburton’s clutch shot marked his fourth game-tying, go-ahead, or game-winning basket in the final 30 seconds this postseason, tying Ray Allen for the most in a single playoff run since 1998.
With Game 1 in the books, the Pacers not only delivered a statement win—they continued proving they’re never out of a game, no matter the deficit.