Indiana Pacers Shock Knicks: Epic Playoff Comeback Stuns Madison Square Garden!

In Summary:

The Indiana Pacers overcame a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the New York Knicks 138-135 in overtime, taking a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Aaron Nesmith’s five consecutive three-pointers sparked the comeback, and Tyrese Haliburton hit a clutch shot to force overtime.
This marks the fourth time this playoff season the Pacers have rallied from a 15+ point deficit, showcasing their never-give-up attitude.

In a thrilling start to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals, the Indiana Pacers staged an incredible comeback against the New York Knicks, winning 138-135 in overtime. The Pacers, down by as many as 17 points in the final quarter, fought back with amazing spirit, fueled by Aaron Nesmith’s hot shooting and Tyrese Haliburton’s game-tying shot at the buzzer. This historic win, which took place at Madison Square Garden, highlights the Pacers’ never-say-die attitude and sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting best-of-seven series.

Pacers Stage Epic Comeback in NBA Playoff Thriller

The Indiana Pacers overcame a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the New York Knicks 138-135 in overtime. Photo courtesy.

The Indiana Pacers pulled off a stunning upset against the New York Knicks, winning 138-135 in overtime. This nail-biting game marked the start of the NBA Eastern Conference finals. The Pacers faced a huge challenge, falling behind by 17 points in the final quarter.

However, they showed incredible spirit and fought their way back into the game. A key moment came when Aaron Nesmith made five three-point shots in a row, sparking their rally.

Then, as the clock ticked down to zero, Tyrese Haliburton hit a crucial two-point shot, tying the score and forcing the game into an extra period.

A Historic Fightback

The Indiana Pacers carried their strong momentum into overtime and eventually secured the 138-135 victory. This win is notable because it marks the fourth time this playoff season that the Pacers have come back from being down by 15 points or more.

After the game, Tyrese Haliburton expressed his joy and pride in his team. He said, “I’m so happy with this team. We never stop fighting. We’ve won in crazy ways all season. It’s fun to keep going until the end.” His words highlighted the team’s never-give-up attitude, which has become a key part of their identity throughout the playoffs.

For the New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson was their standout performer, scoring an impressive 41 points. The Knicks had looked strong early on, leading 69-62 at halftime. They even held a comfortable 14-point lead with less than three minutes left in the game. But the Pacers’ late surge completely turned the tables.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau was clearly unhappy with the loss. He simply stated, “We didn’t like losing. We have to get ready for the next game. We need to try harder.”

His team will now focus on preparing for the next match, which is set for Saturday. This game is part of a best-of-seven series, and with this win, the Pacers now hold a 1-0 lead.

Key Moments and Other Playoff News

Haliburton initially celebrated a three-pointer, mimicking Reggie Miller, but it was a two. Photo courtesy.

The thrilling game took place at the famous Madison Square Garden, leaving the home fans stunned by the Pacers’ remarkable comeback. Tyrese Haliburton’s shot at the very last second was the turning point.

Interestingly, Haliburton initially thought his game-tying shot was a three-pointer. He even copied a well-known celebration move made famous by NBA legend Reggie Miller, who is known for his clutch shots.

However, replays showed that Haliburton’s foot was on the line, meaning the shot counted for two points instead of three. Despite this, the shot still sent the game to overtime and saved the Pacers.

In other important NBA news, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2024-25 season. He plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder. His team also started their Western Conference finals strong, winning their first game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Pacers’ victory in their Eastern Conference final was a significant statement. It showed their strong determination and their ability to perform under extreme pressure.

The Knicks now face the challenge of regrouping and figuring out their strategy before Game Two. The series is expected to be exciting and highly competitive as both teams battle for a spot in the NBA Finals.