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The 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals tipped off with a jaw-dropping thriller at Madison Square Garden, as the Indiana Pacers pulled off a miraculous comeback to defeat the New York Knicks 138–135 in overtime. It was a game for the ages — one that had it all: big-time performances, iconic gestures, late-game heroics, and a relentless will to win. The Pacers now hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series and have seized home-court advantage in dramatic fashion.
A Game That Will Be Remembered
For much of the night, it seemed the Knicks were in control. Led by superstar guard Jalen Brunson and newly-acquired big man Karl-Anthony Towns, New York built a commanding 17-point lead with just under seven minutes left in regulation. The raucous Madison Square Garden crowd could almost taste victory. But the Pacers had other plans.
Despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds, Indiana refused to give in. The team closed the fourth quarter on a stunning 19–6 run, fueled by clutch shooting, tight defense, and incredible composure under pressure.
Aaron Nesmith’s Career Night
One of the biggest heroes of the night was Indiana forward Aaron Nesmith, who delivered a career-defining performance. Nesmith scored 30 points, including six three-pointers in the final five minutes of regulation. Every time he touched the ball down the stretch, it felt like magic was about to happen.
Nesmith’s fearless shooting chipped away at the Knicks’ lead possession by possession. His final three-pointer with just seconds remaining set the stage for the dramatic game-tying shot that followed.
Tyrese Haliburton: The Engine Behind the Pacers
All season long, Tyrese Haliburton has been the heart and soul of the Indiana Pacers, and Game 1 was no exception. The All-Star guard finished with 31 points, 11 assists, and 6 rebounds, orchestrating the offense with brilliance and poise.
But it was his final play in regulation that will be replayed for years. With only seconds on the clock and the Pacers down by two, Haliburton calmly navigated a screen, stepped back, and drained a mid-range jumper at the buzzer to tie the game at 125–125.
As the shot fell, Haliburton turned to the crowd and mimicked Reggie Miller’s iconic “choke” gesture — a nod to the legendary 1994 and 1995 playoff battles between the Pacers and Knicks. It was a moment soaked in history, intensity, and emotion.
Overtime Excellence
In the overtime period, Indiana capitalized on their momentum. Andrew Nembhard hit a critical layup, and former Knick Obi Toppin soared for a two-handed dunk that essentially iced the game. Toppin’s emphatic slam over his former team was symbolic — a turning of the tide in what had been a Knicks-dominated narrative.
The Knicks tried to claw back with Brunson continuing to light it up, but the Pacers’ defensive grit in overtime sealed the win. Indiana outscored New York 13–10 in the extra frame, enough to complete one of the most improbable comebacks in recent playoff history.
Knicks’ Standout Performances Fall Short
Despite the crushing loss, the Knicks received standout performances from their stars. Jalen Brunson continued his incredible postseason, dropping 43 points, dishing out 7 assists, and playing nearly 46 minutes. He was efficient, aggressive, and fearless — but ultimately couldn’t do it all alone.
Karl-Anthony Towns, who joined New York in a midseason blockbuster trade, added 35 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing his inside-out versatility. The Knicks’ offense clicked for much of the game, but lapses in defense and turnovers in crunch time opened the door for Indiana’s comeback.
What This Win Means for the Pacers
This Game 1 victory could be a defining moment for the Indiana Pacers — a young, hungry team that has defied expectations all season. With a core built around Haliburton, Nesmith, Myles Turner, and Nembhard, Indiana has emerged as one of the league’s most exciting squads.
More importantly, stealing Game 1 on the road puts the pressure squarely on the Knicks. New York will now need to win at least one game in Indiana to regain control of the series.
For head coach Rick Carlisle, the comeback was a testament to his team’s resilience and maturity. “This group never quits,” Carlisle said postgame. “We’ve been building a culture of belief all season, and tonight was the payoff.”
Game 2 Preview: What’s Next
The series continues Friday night at Madison Square Garden, and expectations are sky-high. The Knicks will be desperate to even the series, while the Pacers look to ride their wave of momentum to a 2-0 lead.
Key things to watch in Game 2:
- Will the Knicks tighten their perimeter defense after giving up 18 threes?
- Can Haliburton maintain his elite playmaking under increased pressure?
- Will the Pacers’ role players continue stepping up in big moments?
Whichever way it goes, fans can expect another tightly contested battle between two historic franchises with a fierce rivalry.
Conclusion: A Playoff Classic in the Making
Game 1 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals will go down as one of the most thrilling in recent memory. The Indiana Pacers’ comeback from a 17-point deficit, capped by clutch performances from Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith, has set the tone for what promises to be a classic series.
For Knicks fans, it’s a gut-wrenching loss — but there’s still plenty of basketball left. For the Pacers, it’s a statement win and a reminder that no lead is safe when this team is on the court.
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