The Indiana Pacers demonstrated remarkable resilience during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, hosted at Madison Square Garden. Despite facing a significant deficit of 116-102 with under four minutes remaining in regulation, the Pacers executed a stunning 23-9 run to force overtime and ultimately secured a 138-135 victory against the New York Knicks.

Tyrese Haliburton played a pivotal role in the win, contributing 31 points and 11 assists. He was inches away from clinching victory in regulation with a deep shot that was initially deemed a buzzer-beater; however, it was ruled that his toe was on the line. Nevertheless, the Pacers capitalized on the momentum generated from their comeback and maintained their composure in overtime, thanks to critical late baskets from Obi Toppin and Andrew Nembhard. New York’s Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns had opportunities to extend the game further into double-overtime but both missed three-point attempts, allowing the Pacers to complete their impressive win.

Aaron Nesmith also made significant contributions with an outstanding performance, finishing the game with 30 points, including 8-of-9 shooting from three-point range. His six three-pointers during the final five minutes of regulation helped to deflate the home crowd and set the stage for the Pacers' late comeback. This win follows Indiana's dramatic series against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round and their previous victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers in which Haliburton hit a game-winning shot. The defeat was particularly stinging for the Knicks, who had exceptional performances from Brunson, who scored 43 points with five assists, and Towns, who added 35 points and 12 rebounds. Despite Towns's strong play in the fourth quarter, the Pacers proved that no lead is insurmountable during these playoffs, taking an early series lead ahead of Game 2.