Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Knicks vs. Pacers Game 1: Tyrese Haliburton Stuns Knicks, Thrilling Overtime Classic Ends With Pacers Outdoing Jalen Brunson’s Heroics

Tyrese Haliburton’s Clutch Shot, Pacers' Defensive Challenge Sink Knicks

Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers took on each other in the first game over the Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks vs. The Pacers game was taking place at the Madison Square Garden in New York City on Wednesday night.

Both the teams gave a brilliant first game that went neck-to-neck throughout the 48 minutes of regular action and also beyond that. The hosts took a two point lead from the first quarter as the score stood at 36-34. The Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks put out an excellent offensive display on Wednesday night.

Haliburton TNT interview in front of an emptying MSG. What a scene. pic.twitter.com/VcwINxwRwi
— Tony East (@TonyREast) May 22, 2025

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Unlike a typical playoff game, the Knicks vs. Pacers matchup had more offense and less protective play in it. The New York Knicks continued their flow and took an important five point lead from the second quarter. What this performance did is, give them a seven point cushion going into the half-time.

Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns rose to the occasion, while for the Pacers, it was Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith who kept going. The New York Knicks had a slow start into their second half and overall it was more of a defense backed play for both teams. As a result, the third quarter score was at 21-25 in favor of the Pacers.

New York Loses Grip in Final Minutes

Both the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers have had fourth quarter prowess throughout this season’s playoffs. Each team has clutch players. There wasn’t much difference between the two. The New York Knicks got their bigger lead back at the start, but the Indiana Pacers made a last push, overcoming a 17 point deficit.

Eventually, the Indiana Pacers in the dying minutes took the game away from the clutches of the Knicks. It was Tyrese Haliburton who made a thrilling two pointer to equalize the game. Though, Tyrese intended that play for a three pointer, but his foot remained just a fraction of an inch on the line.

WTHELLYBURTON pic.twitter.com/8k7bm9WOK0
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 22, 2025

The story was no different from the overtime. A crucial challenge from the Pacers turned things around. With having the lead, they challenged an off court ball from Brunson and won the in-bound. The Pacers had the last possession and eventually won the game by 138-135. Jalen Brunson slotted 43 points, while Tyrese Halliburton scored 31.