Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton delivered one of the most thrilling moments of the NBA postseason so far, sinking a dramatic buzzer-beater to tie Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks. Though his shot was initially celebrated as a three-pointer that would have won the game in regulation, replays revealed his toe grazed the line, resulting in a long two. Still, it was enough to force overtime, where the Pacers surged to a hard-fought victory and stole home-court advantage.
Haliburton’s Iconic Moment Echoes Reggie Miller’s Legacy
With just seconds left in the fourth quarter and Indiana trailing 125-123, Haliburton took possession beyond the arc and launched a step-back jumper over Knicks defender Josh Hart. As the ball swished through the net, Haliburton turned to the crowd and mimicked a “choking” gesture, a nod to Pacers legend Reggie Miller’s infamous celebration at Madison Square Garden during the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals.
“I thought it was a three,” Haliburton admitted in his postgame interview with TNT. “I tried to hit the celly [celebration], and it didn’t quite go how I imagined. But we got it done in overtime. That’s all that matters.”
Replay Drama and a Shift in Momentum
The moment was electric. Haliburton’s dramatic shot and animated taunt ignited memories of one of the NBA’s greatest rivalries, bringing an edge of vintage drama back to the Pacers-Knicks matchup. His actions drew mixed reactions from the Garden crowd—some stunned into silence, others booing loudly—as Indiana’s bench stormed the court in celebration.
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However, the jubilation was short-lived, if only temporarily. Replay officials confirmed Haliburton’s foot was on the line, adjusting the would-be game-winner to a game-tying basket. Still, the emotional boost carried the Pacers into overtime with renewed momentum.
Indiana Takes Control in Overtime
Indiana capitalized on that shift, outscoring New York 15-8 in the extra period, ultimately securing a 140-133 victory. Haliburton finished the game with 32 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds—another signature performance in what has been a breakout postseason for the 24-year-old guard.
Head coach Rick Carlisle praised his star point guard’s poise and leadership in critical moments.
“Tyrese plays with the heart of a champion,” Carlisle said in the postgame presser. “That shot, whether it was a two or a three, was a tone-setter. It told us we weren’t done yet. And in OT, we played like we believed it.”
Knicks Struggle to Respond Under Pressure
The Knicks, who led by as many as 14 points during the game, struggled to contain Indiana’s fast-paced offense in the final minutes. Jalen Brunson led New York with 36 points and 9 assists, but he appeared fatigued in the closing stages, committing two costly turnovers in overtime.
“It stings,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. “We had control and just didn’t finish. Credit to Haliburton—he hit a tough shot. But we’ve got to be better in overtime.”
Strong Bench Support and Team Effort for Indiana
The Pacers’ bench also stepped up in a Tyrese big way. Obi Toppin, facing his former Tyrese team, provided crucial minutes with 12 points and 6 rebounds, while Andrew Nembhard added 15 points and impressive Tyrese defensive pressure on Brunson late in the Tyrese game.
Indiana’s victory not only gives them a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series but also swings momentum sharply in their favor as they prepare for Game 2, still at Madison Square Garden.
A New Era for the Pacers
With Haliburton at the helm, Indiana’s young core—featuring Bennedict Mathurin, Myles Tyrese Turner, and Nembhard—has grown into a legitimate contender, showing poise far beyond their years. Tyrese If Game 1 was any indication, the Pacers have no intention of backing down against a seasoned Knicks squad.
Haliburton’s clutch performance and audacious celebration may Tyrese have stirred up the ghosts of Pacers-Knicks past, but this new chapter is being written by a different generation. As the series continues, all eyes will remain on the young star who brought the house down—and silenced it, all in one shot.
What’s Next?
Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals tips off Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.
