Pacers Secure Overtime Win Against Knicks in Game One

NEW YORK: In a captivating Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals, Tyrese Haliburton shone brightly, guiding the Indiana Pacers to a hard-fought 138-135 overtime victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.

Haliburton amassed an impressive 31 points, 11 assists, and four rebounds. Aaron Nesmith contributed significantly with 30 points and two rebounds, propelling the Pacers to an initial 1-0 advantage in the best-of-seven series.

The matchup remained intensely competitive from start to finish. The Knicks initially seized control, securing quarter scores of 36-34 and 33-28.

However, the Pacers demonstrated resilience in the latter half, narrowly winning the third and fourth quarters with scores of 25-21 and 38-35, respectively.

With less than three minutes left in regulation time, the Knicks were sitting on a substantial 14-point lead. Undeterred, Nesmith sparked a remarkable comeback, sinking crucial three-pointers to pull the Pacers back into contention.

“It’s always special, always fun,” Nesmith commented post-game. “This is what we live for.”

In the crucial final moments of regulation, as the Pacers trailed by two points, Haliburton managed to regain control of the ball after nearly losing it and landed a critical jump shot.

Originally deemed a three-pointer, the basket was later revised to a two-pointer following video review, leading to overtime.

Despite a noteworthy performance from the Knicks, highlighted by Jalen Brunson’s 43 points and Karl-Anthony Towns’ 35 points, they were unable to secure the win. Nesmith’s pivotal shots in the closing stages of regulation and overtime ultimately secured the victory for Indiana.

Game Two of the series is slated to take place on Friday at Madison Square Garden.