The Indiana Pacers demonstrated resilience and tenacity in their performance, embodying the role of comeback contenders throughout the playoffs. In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden, the Pacers overcame a significant deficit of 116-102 with less than four minutes left in regulation, executing a remarkable 23-9 run that forced the game into overtime. Ultimately, the Pacers triumphed over the New York Knicks with a final score of 138-135. Although Tyrese Haliburton appeared to clinch the win with a last-second shot from beyond the arc, it was ruled that his toe was on the line. Nevertheless, the Pacers capitalized on the momentum gained in regulation, securing the victory with key baskets from Obi Toppin and Andrew Nembhard in the extra period.

The performance of Haliburton was pivotal, as he contributed 31 points and 11 assists, showcasing his capability as a late-game playmaker. However, it was Aaron Nesmith's stellar three-point shooting that significantly bolstered the Pacers' comeback efforts. Nesmith recorded 30 points, achieving an impressive 8-of-9 shooting from three-point range, with six of those shots falling in the crucial final five minutes of regulation. His sharpshooting not only drained the energy from the home crowd but also laid the groundwork for the Pacers to reshape the narrative of the game. This victory aligns with Indiana's trend of dramatic comebacks, having previously executed a similar feat against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round and against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round.

The loss was particularly stinging for the Knicks, who saw two of their players, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, deliver exceptional performances, scoring 43 points with five assists and 35 points with 12 rebounds, respectively. Towns notably kept the home team competitive during the fourth quarter, especially while Brunson was sidelined with five fouls. Yet, the Pacers waited to unleash their formidable run until Brunson resumed play. Although the finale captured attention, it was evident from the outset that the Pacers were undeterred by the intense atmosphere, having previously eliminated the Knicks in the second round of last year’s playoffs in the same arena. The Pacers started strong, hitting their first nine shots and maintaining a fast pace that allowed both teams to execute scoring runs. The Knicks responded effectively, taking a 69-62 lead into halftime fueled by Brunson's aggressive drives and Towns' shooting touch. The Pacers' Haliburton and Pascal Siakam contributed vital scoring to keep the game competitive, but despite creating a gap in the fourth quarter, Indiana's proven capacity for comebacks solidified their playoff momentum, granting them the series lead heading into Game 2.