The Indiana Pacers pulled off one of the most thrilling comebacks of the NBA playoffs so far, defeating the New York Knicks 138-135 in overtime in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden. Trailing by 17 in the fourth quarter and still down 14 with less than three minutes to go, the Pacers unleashed a three-point barrage that turned the game on its head.
It was a night full of drama, huge shots, and late-game heroics. The Pacers’ incredible rally was led by Aaron Nesmith, who caught fire from beyond the arc, and Tyrese Haliburton, who nearly ended it in regulation with a buzzer-beater that was later downgraded.
Pacers Light Up the Garden
With just under three minutes left in regulation, the Knicks appeared in control. They were up 123-109 and cruising behind another monster game from Jalen Brunson, who finished with 43 points. But Indiana had other plans.
Aaron Nesmith exploded with a barrage of three-pointers—six in total during the late stretch, five of which came in those final moments of regulation. His long-range shooting brought the Pacers back into the game almost single-handedly. With each make, the once-raucous New York crowd grew more anxious, sensing a meltdown.
Then came Tyrese Haliburton, who backed off the arc and launched a desperate shot with time running out. The ball banked in off the rim, and the Pacers players erupted in celebration—thinking they’d just won Game 1.
WHAT A SHOT BY TYRESE HALIBURTON https://t.co/8wEwdkeRwZ pic.twitter.com/s497GwRWi9
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2025
But replay officials ruled Haliburton’s foot was on the three-point line. What looked like a game-winner was reduced to a two-point shot, tying the game at 129-129 and sending it to overtime.
Overtime Madness
Despite the crushing twist, Indiana didn’t fold. The Knicks regained a brief lead in overtime thanks to another clutch floater from Brunson with 35.2 seconds remaining. But the Pacers stayed locked in.
First, Andrew Nembhard drove to the rim for a go-ahead lay-up. Then, Obi Toppin—a former Knick—added salt to the wound with a thunderous six-foot dunk to give Indiana the final edge.
It was a statement finish from a Pacers team that has now pulled off four comebacks from 15 or more points down during this postseason. This was their most dramatic yet.
Haliburton and Nesmith Shine
Tyrese Haliburton was the leader on the night, finishing with 31 points and 11 assists. His control of the offense and fearlessness in clutch situations continue to elevate his profile in these playoffs.
But the story of the night was Aaron Nesmith, who had the game of his career. The guard shot 8-of-9 from three-point range and ended with 30 points, a postseason personal best. His fourth-quarter shooting spree was the spark Indiana desperately needed.
THE PACERS MOUNT an EPIC COMEBACK (again) to WIN GAME 1 of the ECF in OT
Down 17, 6:46 left in regulation.
Down 14, 2:40 left in regulation.
Down 9, 52 seconds left in regulation.
13 PTS in OT.Aaron Nesmith with 6 3PM & Tyrese Haliburton with ANOTHER clutch shot pic.twitter.com/NBWNhphPMl
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2025
Nesmith’s confidence and calm under pressure were matched by his teammates. The Pacers spread the floor, moved the ball well, and hunted mismatches during the most critical stretch of the game.
Knicks Collapse Despite Brunson Brilliance
Jalen Brunson once again carried New York’s offense, scoring 43 points in a typically gutsy performance. He attacked the rim, hit floaters, and kept the Knicks ahead for most of the night. He had help too—Karl-Anthony Towns added 35 points, offering size and scoring from inside and out.
But the Knicks simply lost their composure in the final minutes. The defense broke down, shooters were left wide open, and turnovers proved costly. Despite leading for nearly the entire game, they couldn’t get the key stops when it mattered most.
This loss stings even more considering how close they were. The Knicks had the win in their hands before Nesmith and Haliburton snatched it away.
Garden Shocked by Pacers’ Resilience
The atmosphere in Madison Square Garden shifted dramatically throughout the night. From roaring cheers as the Knicks extended their lead, to stunned silence as the Pacers drained three after three, the emotional rollercoaster was one of the wildest New York has witnessed in recent playoff memory.
The energy from Indiana’s bench and the laser focus from head coach Rick Carlisle kept the team steady even when things looked bleak.
The win sends a powerful message: these Pacers are for real. They don’t quit, and they don’t care about the odds. Down big, on the road, in the Eastern Conference Finals—they just keep playing.
Final Score: Pacers 138, Knicks 135 (OT)
Haliburton led the way with 31 points and 11 assists
Nesmith dropped 30 points on 8-of-9 shooting from deep
Brunson scored 43 for the Knicks, Towns added 35
Indiana rallied from 17 down in the 4th and won in OT
Game 2 tips off Friday night, again at Madison Square Garden.
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