The Indiana Pacers pulled off one of the most stunning comebacks in recent NBA Playoffs history, erasing a 17-point deficit to defeat the New York Knicks in overtime in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Tyrese Haliburton delivered the signature moment, draining a buzzer-beating step-back jumper to force OT in front of a stunned Madison Square Garden crowd and Jalen Brunson shocked for the moment.
Haliburton’s long two—his foot barely grazing the three-point line—bounced high off the rim before falling through the net as if fate had intervened. The moment electrified the Pacers bench and silenced the Knicks faithful. Haliburton turned toward the Knicks bench and mimicked a choking gesture, then pointed at TNT analyst Reggie Miller in a nod to the Pacers legend’s infamous antics against the Knicks in 1994.
Despite the heat of competition, Haliburton showed sportsmanship and admiration for his counterpart after the final buzzer. “He’s a great player. I love competing against him,” Haliburton said of Jalen Brunson. “I know you’re not supposed to say it, but we’re friends. I just love competing against that guy. I think the storied rivalry between the Pacers and Knicks is really cool, but where we are right now, we’re writing our own stories.”
The comeback was officially completed in overtime, where Indiana took advantage of two critical Brunson turnovers to seize control. Though Haliburton’s regulation shot counted for only two points, it shifted momentum entirely in the Pacers’ favor heading into the extra period.
Haliburton finished with 31 points to lead Indiana, but Aaron Nesmith was equally vital. The sharpshooter hit eight of nine from beyond the arc, scoring 30 points—including a clutch sequence in the final minutes of regulation that cut into the Knicks’ lead. His fourth-quarter shooting spree paved the way for Indiana’s historic rally.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, NBA teams were previously 0-970 over the last 27 postseasons when trailing by 14 or more points with under 2:50 remaining in regulation. With this incredible Game 1 win, the Pacers have now rewritten that stat line—1-970.
While Haliburton and Nesmith stole the headlines, Brunson put on another masterclass. The Knicks guard scored 43 points and dished out 5 assists, continuing his torrid playoff pace. Karl-Anthony Towns added 35 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in a dominant all-around performance.
OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges chipped in with 16 points apiece, and Josh Hart posted a strong two-way effort with 13 rebounds and 7 assists. Despite their contributions, it wasn’t enough to overcome Indiana’s late-game magic. Game 2 at the Garden now carries even more weight, with the Knicks looking to avoid falling into a 2–0 hole.