Pacers Rally Past Knicks in Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 Overtime

In Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals, the Indiana Pacers staged a stunning comeback against the New York Knicks, overcoming a nine-point deficit in the final minute to force overtime. Tyrese Haliburton emerged as the hero, hitting a dramatic buzzer-beater to tie the game and later leading the Pacers to a 138-135 overtime victory, a performance that included four clutch shots in the last 30 seconds of close games this playoffs, tying an NBA record. Aaron Nesmith also played a crucial role, scoring 30 points with six three-pointers in the fourth quarter to spark the comeback. Haliburton taunted Knicks fans with Reggie Miller's iconic choke gesture, a nod to past playoff rivalries, which drew mixed reactions but was endorsed by Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. The Pacers’ resilience against the Knicks has been a recurring theme this postseason, as they continue to defy expectations and silence critics who once labeled Haliburton overrated. The series now shifts back to New York for Game 2, where the Knicks face pressure to respond after their blown lead and loss at Madison Square Garden.