Tyrese Haliburton and his team had five minutes to make a comeback.
The Pacers were down, 111-98, at that point with Knicks captain Jalen Brunson checking back into the game.
Then it happened.
A 27-14 run in the final five minutes, spearheaded by 12 points generated by Haliburton (six points, two assists) to seize the game back from the Knicks, who should’ve cruised to a 1-0 series lead.
WHAT A SHOT BY TYRESE HALIBURTON 🤯🤯🤯 https://t.co/8wEwdkeRwZ pic.twitter.com/s497GwRWi9
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2025
Instead, Haliburton had his team in position to for a win while down two with seven seconds remaining.
The speedy All-Star sprinted down the court and got past the arc, but was met by Mitchell Robinson. Haliburton then retreated, took multiple steps back to the arc and threw up a prayer that bounced up in the air, causing the home crowd to erupt.
They were soon hit with shock.
The ball stayed in the air for what felt like 10 seconds and swished through the net. At first, the Pacers bench ran onto the Madison Square Garden floor to Haliburton, who seemingly stole Game 1 with an unbelievable comeback game-winning shot.
Haliburton even ran toward the TNT broadcast, emoting the same “choke” gesture his mentor Reggie Miller did after stealing a win in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks.
But after official review, Haliburton’s shot was changed to a two-pointer. The score was tied, 125-125, going into overtime.
It was an epic letdown for the Knicks. They eventually lost, 138-135, in overtime. The Pacers had stolen a game right from the Knicks.
They relinquished the regulation lead by stagnating the offense with isolation basketball while the Pacers responded with basket after basket. The Knicks looked sloppy even after timeouts, finally succumbing to Indiana’s pressure that was applied all game.
And they were unable to regain control going into overtime.
The Pacers, already completing the split, are now in prime position to take control of the series.
Thanks to Haliburton. And thanks to the Knicks’s sloppiness.
