Knicks choke huge 4th quarter lead to Pacers in Game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals
Reggie Miller’s legacy loomed large over the Indiana Pacers’ thrilling Game 1 victory against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. In a game that harkened back to the classic battles between these two teams in the 1990s, the Pacers pulled off an incredible comeback to steal the win in overtime.
The Knicks seemed to have the game in hand, leading by as many as 17 points with just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter. But the Pacers, led by sharpshooter Aaron Nesmith, mounted an impressive comeback, hitting six consecutive three-pointers to cut the deficit and force the game into overtime.
In the extra period, both teams traded blows, with neither able to pull away by more than a point. Former Knick Obi Toppin delivered a crucial dunk with 15.3 seconds left to put New York up by three, but the Pacers held on for the win as the Knicks missed two game-tying threes.
The victory was a stunning upset, as teams leading by nine or more points in the final minute of regulation or overtime had previously been undefeated since 1998. The Pacers’ resilience and never-say-die attitude paid off, handing the Knicks a bitter defeat reminiscent of their own historic comebacks in the previous round.
Tyrese Haliburton and Nesmith led the charge for the Pacers, combining for 61 points, while Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns put up impressive numbers for the Knicks. The series promises to be a hard-fought battle between two proud franchises with a storied playoff history.
As the rivalry between the Pacers and Knicks heats up once again, fans can expect more thrilling matchups in the games to come. Game 2 is set for Friday night at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks will look to even the series and get back on track.
For fans of both teams, the echoes of past playoff battles between the Pacers and Knicks serve as a reminder of the intensity and drama that this matchup always brings. As the series unfolds, it’s clear that Reggie Miller’s spirit is still alive and well in the hearts of both teams, driving them to compete at the highest level and deliver unforgettable moments on the court.
