New York Knicks fans are likely still at a loss for words after watching how Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals ended on Wednesday night.
The Pacers drained six 3-pointers in the final five minutes to wash away New York's big lead. It was almost seven, as Haliburton drained a shot at the buzzer that he initially thought won them the game.
Haliburton did the infamous "choke" sign, but it was then ruled that his foot was on the line, so the game went to overtime.
Mikal Bridges
May 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) in the first quarter during game one of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
© Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Stephen A. Smith reveals honest feelings after Game 1 loss
The overtime was hard-fought and it looked as though Jalen Brunson was going to will his team to a win once again, but fell short 138-135.
Over the past two series, we saw the Knicks coming back from down double-digits to win games. This time, it was the Knicks on the other end.
Stephen A. Smith didn't hold back on his reaction to the Knicks' Game 1 loss.
"It was a collective collapse of epic proportions. It was horrible," Smith said. "There is no excuse for it. They got comfortable. They started turning the ball over, taking ill-advised shots, they got a bit cocky and it came back to bite them.
"If the New York Knicks lose this series, this is the game we're all going to look at forever. This is historic. We have seen nobody in NBA history come back from such a deficit in the last 2 minutes and 45 seconds, but it happened last night at the Garden. I'm sick to my stomach over it. I can't believe I didn't throw up because I certainly felt nauseous. I'm just that disgusted with this team right now."
The Knicks will have an opportunity to even the series when the two teams face off again on Friday.
Many things had to go right for the Pacers to pull this game out. Will Aaron Nesmith get that hot again in a similar situation? Probably not.
The fashion in which the Knicks lost this game has demoralized their fans, as you can tell with Smith's reaction.