Pacers Dominate Knicks in Epic Duel with Thrilling Finish
The Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks with a score of 135-138 in the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals, after a spectacular comeback that culminated with a basket by Tyrese Haliburton in the last second of regulation time, forcing overtime.
Haliburton, after scoring, celebrated enthusiastically, without realizing that his foot had touched the three-point line, which meant that the shot was worth two points and the game was extended.
I didn’t know how much time was left, so I just tried to stay calm and get the shot off. I thought it was a three, it didn’t go in, but we got it done in overtime.
Tyrese Haliburton
Haliburton’s play was the highlight of an amazing comeback in the final minutes of the game. Aaron Nesmith was key in the Pacers’ reaction, scoring six consecutive three-pointers in a span of two minutes and 39 seconds, which reduced a 16-point deficit.
The match revived the intensity of the clashes between both teams in the 1990s, with memorable moments and a rivalry marked by figures like Reggie Miller and Spike Lee.
The game was very close, with the Pacers showing great initial effectiveness, but the Knicks responded. The biggest difference in favor of the Pacers was seven points, but the Knicks reacted, led by Mitchell Robinson in offensive rebounds.
The Knicks built an eight-point lead in the second quarter, before the Pacers closed the gap to go into halftime with a score of 69-62 in favor of the home team.
The third quarter saw the Pacers closing in on the score, ending 90-87, which set up an exciting finish.
The temporary absence of Jalen Brunson, due to accumulated fouls, seemed to give wings to the Pacers, but the Knicks responded with a 14-0 run, extending the lead to 16 points.
Nesmith, with his streak of three-pointers, revived the Pacers, bringing them closer on the scoreboard and forcing the Knicks to react.
With the score at 125-123 and seven seconds remaining, Haliburton seemingly scored a game-winning three-pointer, but the play was reviewed and the basket was ruled as two points, sending the game to overtime.
In overtime, the Pacers took the lead and, after a Brunson turnover, secured the victory with a final score of 135-138.
Haliburton led the Pacers with 31 points, 11 assists, and 4 rebounds. Nesmith contributed 30 points. For the Knicks, Brunson scored 43 points, although he had 7 turnovers.
The next Knicks vs. Pacers game will be played next Friday in New York.
