Pacers vs. Knicks Game 1 Recap

Key Highlights

Eastern Conference Finals: Both teams reached this stage through record comebacks.
Outcome: Indiana Pacers defeated New York Knicks 138-135 in overtime.
Pacers’ Comeback: They overcame a 14-point deficit with 2:45 left on the clock.
Historic Context: Before this game, teams were 994-0 when leading by at least 14 with 2:45 remaining.

Final Possession in Regulation:
- Pacers were down by 2 points with 7.3 seconds left.
- Tyrese Haliburton attempted and made a buzzer-beating 3-pointer that initially seemed a game-winner but was actually a 2-pointer, sending the game into overtime.
Historical Performance: Pacers scored 23 points in the final 3:14 of regulation, an NBA playoff record.

Tyrese Haliburton
- Scored 31 points, 12-of-23 shooting.
- Contributed 11 assists and 4 rebounds.
- Celebrated with the "Reggie Miller choke sign" after his crucial shot.
- Acknowledged the premature celebration: "If I knew it was a two, I would not have done it."
Aaron Nesmith
- Scored 10 points in the last 5 minutes of the fourth quarter, finishing with 30.
- Made six 3-pointers in the final 5 minutes, an NBA playoff record.
- Helped pull the Pacers back into the game.

Tribute: The Pacers dedicated the game to the late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.
Irsay's Last Post: A goodwill message to the Pacers before their historic comeback.

Positives:
- Looked dominant outside the opening and closing minutes of regulation.
- Strong first half, leading by seven after initially trailing.
Key Players:
- Jalen Brunson: Scored 43 points.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: Achieved 35 points and 12 assists.
Critical Run: A 14-0 run, mainly by Towns and OG Anunoby, extended their lead.
- Brunson was benched for most of this period due to foul issues.
Learning Point: Need to maintain momentum throughout the entire game to close out leads.