The Indiana Pacers displayed remarkable resilience once again, continuing their trend as comeback contenders throughout the playoffs. In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden, the team managed to overturn a significant 116-102 deficit with fewer than four minutes remaining in regulation. A spirited 23-9 run enabled them to force overtime, ultimately leading to a 138-135 victory over the New York Knicks.

Tyrese Haliburton’s dramatic late shot appeared to secure the win at the buzzer, although it was determined that his toe was on the line, negating the three-pointer. Nevertheless, the Pacers carried their momentum into the extra period and clinched the victory with crucial baskets from Obi Toppin and Andrew Nembhard. The Knicks had their own chances to extend the game, as Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns both missed three-point attempts that could have forced double overtime. Following this thrilling win, the Pacers have emerged as favorites to win the series.

Haliburton was instrumental for Indiana, ending the game with 31 points and 11 assists, but he benefitted greatly from Aaron Nesmith's phenomenal shooting performance down the stretch. Nesmith contributed 30 points, achieving an impressive 8-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc. Remarkably, six of those three-pointers were scored in the final five minutes of regulation, which significantly diminished the crowd's energy. Indiana's ability to stage this comeback became a continuation of a trend, where they had previously completed similar feats, such as against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round and a dramatic Game 2 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Meanwhile, the Knicks were left to contend with the loss, feeling the sting of wasted efforts from their star players; Brunson recorded 43 points and five assists, while Towns added 35 points and 12 rebounds.