Tipster profile image
Victor Petkov
twitter iconlikedin iconlikedin icon
Head of Content authorBadge
Last Updated:

4 min read

Pacers stun Knicks in OT thriller after Haliburton’s last-second basket
google news logo Follow us
Add comment
Indiana came back from 14-point deficit do tie the game and then win in overtime

Indiana Pacers went on to defeat the New York Knicks 138-135 in overtime on Wednesday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. The highlight of the night was Tyrese Haliburton’s buzzer-beater, which seemed to be the game winner.

Haliburton was convinced his final shot in regulation was going in as it bounced high off the rim and dropped through. At first, he thought it was a game-winning three-pointer, but replays showed his toe was on the line—it was only a two-pointer, tying the game instead.

The Knicks had led by 14 points with less than three minutes left in regulation. But Aaron Nesmith sparked the Pacers’ rally with a series of clutch three-pointers. Then Haliburton, after nearly losing the ball on the final possession of regulation, regained control and launched a deep jumper that tied the game at 125. Replay confirmed Haliburton’s foot was on the line, making it a two-point basket. In overtime, Andrew Nembhard hit the go-ahead shot with 26 seconds left, sealing the win for Indiana.

Haliburton led the Pacers with 31 points and 11 assists. Nesmith added 30 points, hitting 8 of 9 from beyond the arc. The Pacers have made a habit of dramatic finishes this postseason, previously stealing wins from Milwaukee and top-seeded Cleveland in the final seconds.

Jalen Brunson scored 43 points and Karl-Anthony Towns added 35 points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks. However, New York couldn’t hang on to the lead they built while Brunson was in foul trouble during the fourth quarter, leading to one of the most stunning collapses of the playoffs. Game 2 is scheduled for Friday night.