Pacers Stun Knicks in Overtime After 14-Point Deficit – Haliburton’s Wild Shot Sparks Historic Rally
The Indiana Pacers pulled off a stunning comeback against the New York Knicks, erasing a 14-point deficit in the final minutes of regulation before winning 138-135 in overtime in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Tyrese Haliburton was the hero, hitting a wild shot to tie the game with seconds left. He initially thought it was a game-winning three, celebrating with Reggie Miller’s famous “choke” gesture toward the crowd. Replays showed it was a two-pointer, but the Pacers dominated overtime to take a 1-0 series lead.
Haliburton finished with 31 points and 11 assists, while Aaron Nesmith added 30 points, including 8 three-pointers. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson’s 43 points, had a 99.8% win probability late in the fourth before collapsing.
This marks Indiana’s third improbable playoff comeback this year. Teams trailing by 9+ points in the final minute were previously 0-1,414 in playoff history—now 1-1,414.
With the victory, the Indiana Pacers improved to 6-2 this postseason and continued their remarkable turnaround from last year’s lottery team to legitimate Eastern Conference contenders. The series continues Friday night in New York, where the Knicks will look to even the series before it shifts to Indiana.
