Pacers’ Miraculous MSG Comeback Spoils Knicks’ Historic 25-Year Celebration

Pacers Stun Knicks in Thrilling Game 1 Comeback at MSG
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In a heart-stopping finish, the Indiana Pacers overturned a 14-point deficit in the final three minutes of regulation before outlasting the New York Knicks 138-135 in overtime during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith sparked a miraculous rally, silencing a raucous Madison Square Garden crowd and reigniting a historic rivalry.

[Image: Tyrese Haliburton celebrating his clutch three-pointer, mimicking Reggie Miller’s iconic "choke" gesture.]
Caption: Tyrese Haliburton’s game-tying shot forced OT, echoing Reggie Miller’s legendary taunt.

Collapse and Redemption
The Knicks appeared to seal victory late in the fourth quarter, leading 117-103 with under three minutes left. Jalen Brunson, who poured in 43 points, watched from the bench as teammates extended the lead. But chaos erupted when Nesmith sank three consecutive three-pointers in 29 seconds, cutting the deficit to six. Haliburton then drained a contested triple at the buzzer—initially ruled a game-winner before replay showed his toe touched the line, sending the game to overtime.

“They choked,” Haliburton later quipped, wrapping his hands around his neck in a nod to Miller’s infamous 1995 taunt directed at Spike Lee. The Pacers dominated OT, with Haliburton hitting the go-ahead floater to stun the home crowd.

[Image: Aaron Nesmith mid-three-pointer during the Pacers’ frantic fourth-quarter rally.]
Caption: Aaron Nesmith’s sharpshooting fueled Indiana’s comeback.

Rivalry Rekindled
The showdown evoked memories of the teams’ 1990s battles, defined by Miller’s heroics and physical clashes. This series—their ninth playoff meeting—could join those classics. The Pacers, chasing their first Finals berth since 2000, capitalized on New York’s exhaustion. The Knicks, already depleted by injuries, now face questions about their late-game execution ahead of Game 2.

[Image: Celebrities Tracy Morgan, Timothée Chalamet, and Ben Stiller reacting courtside.]
Caption: A-list fans witnessed the chaos, including Tracy Morgan and Timothée Chalamet.

Star Power and Droughts
Brunson’s 43-point effort was overshadowed by the collapse. Karl-Anthony Towns added 15 first-half points, while Obi Toppin’s explosive dunk highlighted the Pacers’ depth. Meanwhile, New York’s championship drought lingers: the city’s major sports teams haven’t won a title since the Giants’ 2012 Super Bowl.

[Image: Karl-Anthony Towns celebrating a basket during his strong first half.]
Caption: Karl-Anthony Towns dominated early before the Knicks unraveled.

Atmosphere and Aftermath
MSG buzzed pregame with LED bracelets and giveaway shirts, but the festive mood turned to disbelief. The Pacers, embracing their underdog role, now hold a crucial road win. For the Knicks, Friday’s Game 2 is a chance to reset—but fatigue and pressure loom large.

[Image: Obi Toppin soaring for a dunk over Mitchell Robinson.]
Caption: Obi Toppin’s athleticism added fuel to Indiana’s relentless attack.

Haliburton’s heroics wrote a new chapter in this rivalry, proving Indiana’s resilience. As one fan tweeted, “The Pacers didn’t just steal a game—they stole New York’s soul.” The Knicks must respond swiftly, or risk their deepest playoff run in 25 years slipping away.