The Indiana Pacers staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the New York Knicks 138-135 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. New York held a nine-point lead with just 58 seconds remaining in regulation, but Indiana forced overtime following a dramatic sequence that ended with Tyrese Haliburton scoring as the buzzer sounded. Haliburton initially believed he had secured the win, but a replay review confirmed his foot was on the line, resulting in a two-point basket and sending the game into an extra period.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, teams trailing by nine or more points in the final minute of the fourth quarter or overtime in a playoff game had a record of 0 wins and 1,414 losses entering Wednesday since 1998. Indiana is also the first team in the play-by-play era (since 1998) to either force overtime or secure a win after being down by at least nine points in the final minute of a playoff contest.
Haliburton spearheaded the Pacers` effort with 31 points and 11 assists. Aaron Nesmith contributed significantly as well, scoring 30 points, matching his career high, and setting a franchise record with eight successful three-pointers in a single game.
For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson was outstanding with 43 points and 5 assists. This performance marked the 11th time he has recorded at least 35 points and 5 assists in a playoff game since joining the Knicks. Historically, only seven other players in franchise history have achieved such a stat line in a postseason contest. Karl-Anthony Towns also had a strong showing, contributing 33 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.
The opening game between the Pacers and the Knicks proved truly unforgettable, delivering numerous spectacular moments for the viewers.
