Pacers Win Overtime Game 1 Vs Knicks In Eastern Conference Finals

The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are renewing their storied playoff rivalry in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, highlighted by a thrilling Game 1 at Madison Square Garden where the Pacers overcame a late deficit to win in overtime 138-135. Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton mimicked Reggie Miller's iconic choke gesture after what he thought was a game-winning buzzer-beater, although it was later ruled a two-point shot and the game went to overtime; Haliburton admitted he might have prematurely celebrated but expressed respect for the history behind the gesture. WWE Superstar Grayson Waller, known for his trolling antics, embraced the celebration by mimicking the choke sign in a Pacers jersey at the game, joining other celebrity fans like Ben Stiller and Timothée Chalamet in the crowd. The Knicks-Pacers rivalry, dating back to the 1990s, is one of the NBA's most memorable, largely due to Reggie Miller's clutch performances and his famous taunts toward Knicks superfan Spike Lee, which still resonate with fans and players today. Current Knicks guard Mikal Bridges and coach Tom Thibodeau have acknowledged the rivalry's rich history, linking past and present playoff battles between the teams. This renewed matchup has attracted star-studded audiences and intense anticipation as both teams vie for an NBA Finals berth.