Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Pacers, NBA’s Comeback Kings, Stun Knicks with Historic Game 1 Rally

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Indiana Pacers have earned the nickname “Comeback Kings,” in the 2024-25 NBA season, consistently pulling off impossible rallies that have defined their playoff run this postseason. Known for overcoming massive deficits, the Pacers have looked unstoppable so far, and it seems like they almost prefer being down until the 4th quarter arrives. The ability to stage historic comebacks has made them a formidable force and are looking like the team to beat. Their latest late game heroics have once again stolen the spotlight away from the team that were deemed the favorites to win this Eastern Conference Finals series, the New York Knicks.

On their way to a historic comeback in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Knicks, the Pacers have now set multiple NBA records, and today we are here to look at what they have pulled off so far in the playoffs, with possibly more to come as they get deeper into the playoffs this season. So without further ado, let’s see what they’ve achieved so far.

THE PACERS MOUNT an EPIC COMEBACK (again) to WIN GAME 1 of the ECF in OT 🔥

Down 17, 6:46 left in regulation.
Down 14, 2:40 left in regulation.
Down 9, 52 seconds left in regulation.
13 PTS in OT.

Aaron Nesmith with 6 3PM & Tyrese Haliburton with ANOTHER clutch shot 🤯 pic.twitter.com/NBWNhphPMl
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2025

Also Read: Indiana Pacers Defy Logic, History and Knicks in 0–1,414 Comeback Shock, Snap Playoff Curse

Pacers’ Epic Game 1 Rally Shocks Knicks

In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks, the Pacers pulled off a jaw-dropping 138-135 overtime win against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, erasing a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit and a 14-point gap with under three minutes left in regulation. Aaron Nesmith sparked the rally, draining 6 three pointers in the final five minutes of the regulation, finishing with 30 points.

Meanwhile Tyrese Haliburton sealed the comeback with a buzzer-beating jumper to force overtime, ending the game with 31 points, 11 assists, and 4 rebounds. Andrew Nembhart’s clutch basket in overtime, helped secure the lead for the Pacers, and after a Obi Toppin dunk, they ended up stealing game 1 away from the Knicks. No team in the history of the NBA had ever comeback, when trailing by 9 points or more in the final minute of the regular time, marking the Pacers’ special run this season.

Pacers’ Historic Comeback Prowess Defines 2025 Playoffs

The Indiana Pacers have solidified their reputation as the NBA’s Comeback Kings in the 2025 playoffs, setting record with their ability to overcome massive deficits. Their relentless comebacks has been unmatched since 1998 and here is what they achieved;

Four 17-Point Comebacks: The Pacers have staged four comebacks of 17 points or more this postseason, the most by any team in a single playoff run since 1998. This includes their stunning Game 1 over the Knicks, alongside a 27 point rally against Cleveland, and two other double digit comebacks.

Three 7-Point Comebacks in Final Minute: Indiana achieved three comebacks from at least 7-point deficits or more in the final minute of playoff games, a feat that has only been matched four times since 1998. Their Game 1 clutch performance against the Knicks, scoring 23 points in the last 3:14, highlight their clutch gene and dominance this postseason.

THE INDIANA PACERS, COMEBACK KINGS 👑

🔥 FOUR 17-pt comebacks this playoffs, the MOST by any team in a single postseason since 1998

🔥 THREE 7-pt comebacks in the final minute this playoffs (only 4 such games since 1998)

CAN'T COUNT OUT INDY 😤 https://t.co/IFPhG1EdKu pic.twitter.com/OWExzpBNFH
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2025

The Knicks left go of the gas pedal in the final quarter of the game, and that is something that you cannot afford to do against the Pacers. A defensive minded coach tom Thibodeau team blowing a 17-point lead is just something that’s unheard of. And the Knicks could be in serious trouble if this continues moving forward.

Also Read: SGA’s Heartfelt MVP Speech- Emotional Tribute to Wife Hailey Steals the Show

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.