Knicks Collapse in Overtime, Pacers Make NBA History

The New York Knicks suffered a historic collapse in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, losing 138-135 in overtime after blowing a 17-point fourth-quarter lead to the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers' comeback included Aaron Nesmith hitting six three-pointers in the fourth quarter and Tyrese Haliburton sinking a buzzer-beater to force overtime. Notably, Indiana became the first team in NBA playoff history to overcome a nine-point deficit in the final minute. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 43 points, but the team's late-game defensive lapses drew criticism from analysts and celebrities such as Jay Williams, Ben Stiller, and Draymond Green. The defeat has severely shaken the Knicks' confidence, putting them in a near must-win situation for Game 2. The loss underscores the volatility of playoff momentum and questions the Knicks' ability to adapt to the Pacers' three-point-heavy offense.