In a thrilling Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, the Indiana Pacers stunned the New York Knicks, winning 138-135 after a dramatic comeback. Tyrese Haliburton scored a last-second tie-game jumper that bounced in as time expired; however, a replay revealed it was a 2-pointer, not a 3-pointer, tying the game at 125. The Knicks had a 14-point lead with less than three minutes to go, but Aaron Nesmith led the Pacers’ resurgence with multiple late 3-pointers, while Andrew Nembhard secured the go-ahead basket in overtime.
Haliburton notched 31 points and 11 assists, and Nesmith finished with 30 points, shooting an impressive 8 for 9 from beyond the arc. Jalen Brunson excelled for the Knicks, scoring 43 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 35 points and 12 rebounds. Despite their strong performances, the Knicks failed to protect their significant lead, particularly during a critical stretch when Brunson was sidelined due to foul trouble.
Historically, teams leading by at least 14 points with under 2:45 left in regulation were undefeated since play-by-play tracking began in the 1997-98 season. However, the Pacers capitalized on missed opportunities by the Knicks, who saw their substantial advantage dissipate quickly. Nesmith and Haliburton’s late heroics turned the tide, culminating in an overtime win that echoed a classic rivalry from the 1990s. The Pacers’ stunning victory marked a resounding statement in their playoff journey, setting the stage for Game 2 on Friday night.
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