In Game 1, the New York Knicks seemed to have sealed a victory. Up 17 points in the fourth quarter and seven in the final minutes, fans thought they would be safe beating traffic and leaving Madison Square Garden.
They missed the end of one of the best playoff games in NBA history, as the Indiana Pacers stormed back, winning i overtime 138-135.
While Tyrese Haliburton had his viral moment, sending the game to overtime in dramatic fashion, another Pacers player should get credit for winning the game.
Aaron Nesmith
May 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) in the third quarter during game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA ever Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Aaron Nesmith scored 30 points, made eight of his nine 3-pointers, and made all five of his attempts from deep in the fourth quarter, getting the Pacers back in the game.
“I was just doing what the team needed of me,” he said. “I was letting them fly, I was in a good rhythm, didn’t really realize what I was doing in the moment. Just trying to win the basketball game.”
While Haliburton had the signature moment of the game, Nesmith had the best and most clutch performance since Reggie Miller in the NBA playoffs.
“Aaron’s heroics, they can’t be talked about enough,” added Tyrese Haliburton
With Game 2 slated for Friday in New York, fans have hopefully learned that the game is not over until it's over, and the Pacers can't ever be counted out. With just three more wins left to get to the NBA Finals, the ball seems to be in Indiana's court.
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