In a nail-biting clash that will be etched in the annals of NBA history, the Indiana Pacers staged a stunning comeback to defeat the New York Knicks 138-135 in overtime during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Trailing by 14 points with just 2:35 remaining in regulation, the Pacers unleashed a barrage of three-pointers, propelling them to an electrifying victory at Madison Square Garden.
The final five minutes were nothing short of a rollercoaster. Jalen Brunson, despite playing with five fouls, showcased his clutch skills, nailing crucial shots to keep the Knicks in the game. But it was Tyrese Haliburton, with a dazzling 31 points and 11 assists, who orchestrated Indiana’s comeback, tying the game at 125 with a spectacular finish.
The intensity ramped up in overtime, as the teams exchanged leads in a thrilling back-and-forth battle. The Pacers capitalized on a successful challenge that overturned a critical out-of-bounds call, regaining possession and executing a flawless inbound play that led to an easy basket, putting them up by three with just 15.3 seconds left.
As the clock wound down, the Knicks had a chance to tie, but a final three-point attempt from Karl-Anthony Towns fell short, sealing Indiana’s first victory in the Eastern Conference Finals since 2004. With this heart-pounding win, the Pacers have set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable series. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the dramatic twists and standout performances that defined this memorable Game 1.