In what will go down as a historically bad loss, the New York Knicks fell in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers after leading by as many as 17 points.
Despite leading by 14 points with under three minutes remaining in the fourth, a barrage of Aaron Nesmith threes erased the Knicks' lead. Tyrese Haliburton hit what was initially thought to be the game-winning three, but due to his toe being on the line, the game went to overtime.
The Pacers ended up winning 138-135, even though teams who were up by 14 or more points in the final three minutes were 994-0 prior to Wednesday. Following the game, Knicks fans were understandably upset, and a potentially dangerous situation unfolded between a fan and Indiana's Obi Toppin, which was caught on camera.
As the former Knick was walking into the locker room, a fan screamed at him.
"You suck Obi," said the fan off camera "We (the Knicks) got rid of you for a reason..."
A comment that led to Toppin replying, "I'm at the Ritz NoMad, pull up if you want."
While it's likely that Toppin was joking, it does illustrate that athletes have limits, and with the emergence of social media, fans seem to be as vocal as ever.
Toppin started his career with the Knicks after the team selected him with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft out of Dayton, where he was a consensus All-American and Naismith Men's College Player of the Year.
Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1).
Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1).
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
As for how Toppin played during the jaw-dropping win, he nearly recorded a double-double scoring eight points and grabbing 10 boards, while also adding a steal.
The two teams will square off at Madison Square Garden again on Friday in a game that will start at 8:00 p.m. ET and air on TNT.