Eastern Conference Finals Game 1: Pacers Stage Epic Comeback to Stun Knicks in Overtime
Madison Square Garden, May 21, 2025 — The Indiana Pacers staged an unforgettable comeback to defeat the New York Knicks 138-135 in overtime, seizing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Trailing by 14 points with only 2:50 left in regulation, the Pacers mounted a furious rally behind Tyrese Haliburton's heroics — his would-be game-tying three (downgraded to a two-pointer after review) forced OT before he delivered the decisive bucket in extra time. This victory made NBA playoff history, becoming the first-ever win after overcoming a 14+ point deficit in the final three minutes, snapping what had been a perfect 970-0 record in such situations. The electrifying opener promises an intense series ahead.
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Game Recap: Knicks' 17-Point Lead Evaporates in Overtime Thriller
The New York Knicks appeared in complete control through three quarters, riding the hot hands of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to build a commanding 96-79 advantage that had Madison Square Garden rocking. But the Indiana Pacers mounted an astonishing fourth-quarter rally, clamping down defensively to force five crucial turnovers while unleashing a barrage of three-pointers. The unlikely hero Aaron Nesmith torched the nets, hitting 8-of-9 from deep for 30 points, before Tyrese Haliburton's dramatic buzzer-beating two-pointer tied the game at 125-125 to force overtime.
In the extra period, the Pacers' superior depth proved decisive. Haliburton, who finished with a stellar 31-point, 11-assist double-double, buried the game-sealing three-pointer to cap the comeback. Indiana's balanced attack featured seven players in double figures and 34 bench points, while the Knicks' overworked starters showed visible fatigue - Brunson logged 38 hard minutes for his 43 points, and Towns played heavy minutes for his 35-point, 12-rebound effort. New York's shallow bench managed just 17 points in the contest, ultimately costing them what seemed like a certain victory.
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Tactical Battle: Pace vs. Depth
New York's Tom Thibodeau deployed his signature tight rotation, demanding heavy minutes (35+ per starter) from his core group while leaning on the dynamic duo of Brunson and Towns to overwhelm opponents. The Knicks' high-octane offense - third-best in the NBA during the regular season at 119.7 PPG - shredded Indiana's defense through three quarters. But Rick Carlisle's Pacers responded with their deep 10-man rotation (averaging 19+ minutes each), leveraging their NBA-best 26.8 assists per game and lethal three-point shooting (19/42, 45.2%) to break down New York's defensive schemes.
Haliburton orchestrated Indiana's attack with masterful pick-and-roll execution and perimeter shooting that stretched New York's defense to its limits. Supporting cast members Nesmith and Siakam (17 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists) delivered versatile scoring that exploited defensive mismatches. While the Pacers' depth shone, New York's bench faltered (17 total points, all with negative plus-minus ratings), exposing the Knicks' overreliance on starters in this grueling playoff battle.
Haliburton's Masterclass Overshadows Knicks' Stars
Tyrese Haliburton cemented his status as Indiana's leader with a signature playoff performance, earning Game 1 MVP honors through his 31-point, 11-assist masterpiece. The young guard silenced critics with ice-cilled execution when it mattered most - sinking both the game-tying shot in regulation and a dagger three in overtime.
While Jalen Brunson battled through injury for a gutsy 43-point night, his late-game struggles exposed New York's fatigue issues. Karl-Anthony Towns continued his dominant postseason with 35 points and 12 rebounds, but the Knicks' over-dependence on their stars proved costly. OG Anunoby delivered a strong 22-point, 8-rebound effort, though his 44 minutes of action laid bare New York's concerning lack of bench production.
Numbers Don't Lie: Three-Point Barrage and Fatigue Factors
The Pacers' 45.2% three-point shooting (19/42) proved decisive, outperforming the Knicks' respectable 39.4% (13/33) from deep. Indiana's bench outscored New York's reserves 34-17, with Myles Turner (10 points) and TJ McConnell (8 points) providing crucial support. The minutes disparity told the story - Knicks starters averaged 37.6 minutes versus Indiana's 33.2, showcasing how the Pacers' depth preserved their energy for clutch moments.
Series at a Crossroads: Knicks Need Quick Adjustments
New York's Game 1 collapse revealed concerning depth issues. Thibodeau must consider expanding his rotation, possibly giving Mitchell Robinson and Donte DiVincenzo more minutes to relieve Brunson and Towns. Defensive adjustments against Indiana's three-point threats - particularly containing Haliburton's playmaking and cooling Nesmith's hot hand - will be critical.
For Indiana, maintaining their balanced attack on the road presents the next challenge. Carlisle needs to stay adaptable as New York will likely tweak defensive schemes to disrupt the Pacers' pick-and-roll actions and perimeter shooting.
Epic Opening Chapter in Eastern Conference Finals
Haliburton's legendary performance and Indiana's record-breaking comeback have electrified this series. While the Knicks' star power keeps them dangerous, they must solve their depth issues quickly. The stage is set for an intense Game 2 showdown at Madison Square Garden on May 24 (8:00 PM ET), where New York will seek redemption and Indiana looks to build on their momentum. The battle for Eastern Conference supremacy has begun with unforgettable drama.
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