New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson drives past Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton during the second half of Game 3 in an NBA basketball second-round playoff series on May 10, 2024, in Indianapolis.
The 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals tipped off with fireworks as the Indiana Pacers shocked the New York Knicks in a breathtaking Game 1 overtime win. The battle, held at Madison Square Garden, saw momentum swing wildly before the Pacers emerged victorious, 138-135.
Brunson Shines, But Pacers Have the Last Word
Jalen Brunson was in superstar form. The Knicks guard dropped 43 points on 15-of-25 shooting and nearly willed his team to victory. Even after picking up his fifth foul early in the fourth, the Knicks rallied behind him with a 16-1 run.
That run pushed New York’s lead to 17, and it looked like Game 1 was theirs. But Indiana had other plans.
Aaron Nesmith’s Fourth-Quarter Eruption
Aaron Nesmith turned in the game of his life. He drilled eight three-pointers, including six in the fourth quarter, finishing with a career-high 30 points. His hot hand reignited the Pacers and kept them within striking distance. Nesmith’s momentum-shifting performance opened the door for the night’s most dramatic moment.
Haliburton Sends It to Overtime
With the clock ticking down in regulation, Tyrese Haliburton stepped up. He drained a game-tying jumper at the buzzer, sending Madison Square Garden into stunned silence and forcing overtime. Haliburton totaled 31 points and 11 assists, showing poise and precision under pressure.
According to the Associated Press, the Pacers scored 23 points in the final 3:14 of regulation—the most in a playoff game since 1997.
Pacers Outlast Knicks in OT Thriller
In the extra frame, both teams traded blows. The Knicks briefly reclaimed the lead with just over a minute left, but Pacers forward Obi Toppin's offensive rebound shifted the tide again. Then Haliburton delivered the dagger—a slick assist to Andrew Nembhard that sealed the comeback.
This resilient finish gave Indiana a 1-0 series lead and immediate momentum.
First Half Set the Tone
The game started as a tug-of-war. The Pacers dominated the first quarter, but the Knicks answered with a strong second. Brunson ended the half with four straight points, giving New York a seven-point lead, 69-62.
Tyrese Haliburton led Indiana early with 14 first-half points. Myles Turner started hot but cooled off in the second quarter. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges provided solid early offense for New York.
Defense, Fouls, and Second Chances Shape the Game
The Knicks tried to stifle Haliburton with tight defense, forcing him to become a scorer. He rose to the challenge with his second straight 20+ point playoff game. On the flip side, Brunson’s foul trouble became a turning point.
The Pacers, surprisingly strong on the glass, generated more second-chance points than usual—outscoring the Knicks 16-13 in that area through three quarters. That hustle paid dividends late.
SGA Wins MVP on Historic Night
Elsewhere in the NBA, Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) was crowned Kia NBA MVP. He becomes the seventh straight international player to win the award, joining stars like Jokic, Embiid, and Giannis.
Thunder Dominate Timberwolves in West Semis
The Western Conference is heating up as well. The Thunder overpowered the Timberwolves in Game 1 of their series. OKC’s defense stole the spotlight in that convincing win. The two teams will square off again Thursday.
Looking Ahead: Knicks Must Regroup
After letting Game 1 slip through their fingers, the Knicks face a tough task ahead. Indiana showed grit, firepower, and belief in their ability to rally. Game 2 promises more drama, and New York must respond fast to avoid falling behind further.
