The 2025 Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks felt like it could be a classic heading into the series. Game 1 instantly delivered with one of the wildest playoff comebacks of all-time stunning the crowd at Madison Square Garden.
The Pacers defeated the Knicks, 138-135, in overtime to steal a win for the ages. New York led by 14 points with 2:45 remaining before Indiana started a scorching comeback. Tyrese Haliburton appeared to win the game at the fourth quarter buzzer, but his foot was on the three-point line. In overtime, an acrobatic dunk from Obi Toppin sealed the win and cemented one of the best NBA playoff games you will ever see.
There were about 15 wild plays down the stretch, but it all started with Aaron Nesmith. Nesmith hit five three-pointers in the final 3:15 of regulation. The Knicks missed two clutch free throws (one by Karl-Anthony Towns, one by OG Anunoby) to give the Pacers a shot to tie the game down two on their final possession.
Haliburton took Mikal Bridges off the dribble, bounced back to the three-point line, and hit what appeared to be a legendary game-winner. Haliburton immediately did the Reggie Miller choking sign at Reggie Miller who was broadcasting the game for TNT thinking he had won the game, but the replay revealed his foot was on the line.
Haliburton was set up to be a punchline if the Knicks won in OT, but the Pacers wouldn’t let that happen. Andrew Nembhard had five straight points to start overtime for Indiana, and Obi Toppin closed it out with a pair of dunks in the final minute.
NBA teams up by 14 in the final 2:45 of regulation were 994-0 since 1997. Make it 994-1.
Knicks led by 14 with 2:45 to play in 4th quarter and now are in OT vs Pacers. Teams leading playoff game by 14+ in final 2:45 of 4th quarter are 994-0 in play by play era (since 1997)
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) May 22, 2025
You thought Knicks fans hated Trae Young? Their venom for Haliburton is going to make that seem meek by the end of the series. Haliburton hitting the Reggie Miller choke sign in Game 1 is perfect theater for a guy who loves the WWE.
The Reggie Miller eight points in nine seconds happened on May 7, 1995 and that was also a Game 1. Hang in the Louvre.
Haliburton also entered the game wearing Timbs, shoes that are distinctly associated with New York.
The Pacers just keep pulling off ridiculous comebacks in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, and this is the best one yet. Haliburton was excellent with 31 points and 11 assists in the victory, but this was a true team effort. Nesmith ended the night 8-of-9 from three for 30 points, and the Pacers needed every bucket.
Haliburton is living it up right now. He taunted New York to its face, then ripped its heart out. What a series this is going to be.
