In a thrilling showdown that will be remembered for years to come, the Indiana Pacers pulled off a stunning comeback, defeating the New York Knicks 138-135 in overtime during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Trailing by 14 points with just 2:35 left in the fourth quarter, the Pacers showcased a remarkable resilience, powered by the sharpshooting of Nismith and the playmaking brilliance of Tyrese Haliburton, who finished with 31 points and 11 assists.

The final minutes were nothing short of electric, with both teams exchanging leads. New York’s Jalen Brunson, despite being hampered by foul trouble, delivered clutch plays to keep his team in the game. But Indiana’s defense tightened when it mattered most, forcing critical turnovers and capitalizing on every opportunity. The Pacers’ ability to sink seven consecutive three-pointers down the stretch was pivotal in their comeback, demonstrating their lethal perimeter shooting.

As the clock wound down in overtime, Indiana regained the lead following a successful challenge that overturned a call in favor of New York, allowing them to maintain possession with just 15.3 seconds remaining. With the Garden roaring, the Pacers executed flawlessly, leading to a game-sealing basket that left the Knicks scrambling in the final seconds.

This victory marks Indiana’s first win in an Eastern Conference Finals since 2004, setting a thrilling tone for the series. The Pacers’ grit and determination, highlighted by their stunning late-game execution, have established them as serious contenders for the championship. The stage is set for what promises to be a fiercely competitive series as both teams vie for supremacy in the East.