May 26, 2025
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🀠Eastern Conference Finals Game 1: Haliburton’s Buzzer-Beater and the Epic Pacers Comeback
This is a full, detailed exploration of the dramatic Game 1 between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. The highlight: Tyrese Haliburton’s buzzer-beating miracle shot that sent the game to overtime after a near-impossible comeback.
â±ï¸ Game Overview: From Collapse to Comeback
The Setup
Game 1 was hosted at Madison Square Garden, with the Knicks entering as slight favorites after a strong playoff run. Early on, they showcased their dominance, building a 17-point lead midway through the fourth quarter. With under 3 minutes left, they were ahead by 14, and ESPN analytics gave them a 99.7% win probability.
Pacers’ Late Surge
Against all odds, Indiana mounted a sensational comeback:
Aaron Nesmith caught fire with three 3-pointers in the final minute of regulation. He finished with 30 points and six threes, five of them in the last few minutes.
A controversial foul call on Pascal Siakam—initially a turnover—was overturned after review, awarding Indiana the ball.
This shift in momentum was pivotal. It set the stage for Haliburton’s dramatic shot.
🎯 The Shot Heard Around the Garden
Haliburton’s Final Seconds
With 7.1 seconds left, trailing by two, Tyrese Haliburton dribbled up the court. Knicks fans were roaring, expecting a defensive stop. Haliburton pulled up just beyond the arc, took a fadeaway under tight pressure—and launched it.
The shot bounced off the back rim, went straight up, and dropped cleanly through the net.
The Detail: Foot on the Line
Though fans thought it was a game-winning 3, replays showed his foot was on the line, making it a 2-pointer—not a 3.
It tied the game at 125–125, forcing overtime.
The “Choke†Gesture
In an emotional flash, Haliburton turned to the Knicks crowd and mimicked Reggie Miller’s iconic “choke†sign, referencing Miller’s legendary taunt from the ’90s playoffs—also at MSG.
On the TNT broadcast, Reggie Miller himself was stunned as he witnessed the gesture live.
🧊 Overtime Heroics & Closing the Game
In the extra period, Indiana carried their momentum:
Andrew Nembhard scored several key baskets, including the go-ahead layup.
The Knicks faltered, missing crucial free throws and shots.
Indiana held on to win 138–135.
This made them the first team since at least 1997 to overcome a 14+ point deficit in the final 2:45 of a playoff game.
🧠Player Impact & Stats
Pacers:
Tyrese Haliburton: 31 pts, 11 asts, including the game-tying shot.
Aaron Nesmith: 30 pts, six 3-pointers, five in the final minutes of Q4.
Andrew Nembhard: 18 pts, key OT plays.
Pascal Siakam: Defensive presence, despite late foul controversy.
Knicks:
Jalen Brunson: 43 pts, incredible effort, but slowed late.
Karl-Anthony Towns: 35 pts, 12 reb, powerful offensive showing.
Late-game collapses and turnovers from role players proved fatal.
💥 Rivalry Reignited
This isn’t just about basketball—it’s about history. The Pacers–Knicks rivalry dates back to the ’90s, featuring physical play, memorable matchups, and Reggie Miller’s taunts. Haliburton’s choke sign added another iconic chapter.
📺 Reactions & Fallout
Media Buzz:
Analysts debated the foul reversal and officiating quality.
Stan Van Gundy called the overturn “insufficiently supported.â€
Social Media:
Knicks fans flooded platforms with disbelief.
Pacers fans praised the resilience and iconic finish.
Magic Johnson:
Praised Haliburton’s leadership and composure under fire.
🔮 Looking Ahead to Game 2
For the Knicks:
Focus will be on mental recovery and crunch-time execution.
Emphasis on minimizing errors and capitalizing on late-game possessions.
For the Pacers:
They carry momentum and psychological edge.
Watch for similar fourth-quarter surges.
Game 2 Tip-off: Friday, May 24 at Madison Square Garden.
Https://Pregame.com
🀠Game & Team Related
#Pacers
#Knicks
#NBAPlayoffs
#EasternConferenceFinals
#NBA2025
🎯 Moment & Highlight
#Haliburton
#BuzzerBeater
#GameWinner
#Clutch
#ReggieMillerMoment
💥 Drama & Reaction
#ChokeSign
#MSGMadness
#HistoricComeback
#BasketballDrama
#OvertimeThriller
🎥 Media & Fan Hype
#NBATwitter
#NBAMemes
#BasketballFans
#PlayoffBasketball
#ThisIsWhyWePlay
Topics:
NBA, Pregame Shorts