Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals delivered everything you’d want from playoff basketball—and then some. The Indiana Pacers pulled off a dramatic 138-135 overtime win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, stealing home-court advantage and sending a very loud message to the rest of the league.
The star of the night? Tyrese Haliburton. While the final stat sheet is still settling, what is clear is that he was the heart of Indiana’s comeback. He hit a massive buzzer-beater to force overtime, and from that moment on, the momentum completely flipped. MSG went from roaring to rattled in an instant. Haliburton didn’t just hit a big shot—he changed the game.
CAN'T COUNT US OUT 😱#PacersWin pic.twitter.com/zI2ONZOu9r
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 22, 2025
The Knicks looked in control for most of regulation, getting strong minutes from Mikal Bridges, who seemed locked in on both ends. New York had their chances to close it out. But critical errors down the stretch—missed free throws, careless turnovers—opened the door, and Indiana kicked it wide open.
Give credit where it’s due. This was a gutsy, resilient win from the Pacers. On the road. Under the lights. In one of the toughest buildings in basketball. They didn’t fold. They fought back, executed under pressure, and now hold a 1-0 lead in the series.
This game showed us two things: the Knicks are dangerous but vulnerable, and the Pacers are far more than a feel-good underdog story. They’re here to compete, and if Haliburton keeps delivering in the clutch, they’re going to be tough to stop.
Game 2 is already looming large. New York needs to respond. Indiana? They’ve got the momentum—and maybe the best closer on the floor.
