Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks Game 1 Eastern Conference Finals: Thrilling Overtime Victory Recap

In a stunning display of resilience, the Indiana Pacers pulled off an unforgettable comeback to defeat the New York Knicks 138-135 in overtime during Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden. Trailing by 17 points in the fourth quarter, the Pacers, led by Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith, mounted a historic rally to steal the series opener on the road.

The Knicks dominated much of the game, building a commanding lead with a 14-0 run in the fourth quarter, fueled by OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns while Jalen Brunson sat with foul trouble. Brunson, who finished with a game-high 43 points, returned to keep New York ahead, but the Pacers refused to fold. Nesmith erupted for 20 of his 30 points in the fourth, including six three-pointers, setting a franchise record with eight total threes. His hot shooting brought Indiana within striking distance, cutting the deficit to one point in the final seconds.

With 13.9 seconds left, the Pacers called a timeout, trailing by three. After a foul, Anunoby’s free throw extended New York’s lead to two, but Haliburton answered with a dramatic buzzer-beater. Initially thought to be a game-winning three, a review confirmed his toe was on the line, tying the game at 125 and forcing overtime. Haliburton, who ended with 31 points and 11 assists, credited his team’s never-say-die attitude: “It ain’t over till it’s over.”

In overtime, Indiana outlasted the Knicks, capitalizing on their momentum and New York’s defensive lapses. The Pacers’ 23 points in the final 3:14 of regulation marked the most in that span in a playoff game since 1997, per the AP’s Tim Reynolds. Their rebounding edge, with 39 total rebounds and 23 second-chance points, proved crucial.

For the Knicks, Brunson’s 43 points and Towns’ 33 points and 10 rebounds were not enough to hold off Indiana’s late surge. Coach Tom Thibodeau lamented, “No lead is safe,” as the Knicks squandered a seemingly secure advantage. The loss snapped a perfect 977-0 record for teams leading by 14 points with under 2:50 remaining in playoff history, per Elias Sports Bureau.

This Game 1 thriller sets the stage for an intense series, reigniting the storied Knicks-Pacers rivalry. Game 2 is set for Friday at 8 p.m. at Madison Square Garden, where New York will look to even the series and avoid falling into a 2-0 hole, a deficit overcome only 7.3% of the time in NBA playoff history.