The Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks in a thrilling Game 1. The first game of the Eastern Conference Finals went straight to overtime, and Indy won 138-135 at Madison Square Garden.
Although it looked like the Knicks were about to run away with a win, New York’s defense failed to disrupt the Pacers’ rhythm. In the process, Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith took over splendidly.
Aaron Nesmith Haunting the New York Knicks
As Nesmith re-entered the game on Wednesday, New York was up by 13 points with just five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. He then made six 3-pointers and 2 free throws, gaining 20 points alone in those five minutes.
The Knicks’ lead was neutralized right before their eyes, all thanks to Nesmith. For many, it brought back nightmares of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals’ Game 5.
Soon after the game, Nesmith said this regarding defeating New York:
“I prepare for these moments. And, you know, I think just the work has shown, and I was surprised. I can’t believe they kept leaving me open, like the two pull-up threes I had, I was like, okay, you gonna leave me open? I gotta take it.”
Aaron Nesmith on his 4th Quarter performance: "I prepare for these moments. I was surprised they kept leaving me open like the two pullup 3s I had I was like ok you gonna leave me open? I gotta take it." pic.twitter.com/SbVYxYOTdN
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA)
Haliburton took the lead in many places, becoming the star of the show, but Nesmith did no less. He was equally, or maybe more, responsible for Indiana’s huge swing in those crucial final minutes.
Nesmith entered the fourth quarter with just 10 points and left with 30 — scoring 20 minutes in the last five minutes of regulation.
Recapping the Pacers’ Comeback vs. Knicks
The Knicks and Pacers were head-to-head with their aggressive strategies. In the fourth quarter, New York led by 14 with two minutes and 45 seconds remaining on the clock.
It all came down to one final possession for Indy, as they were down 2 points with roughly 7 seconds remaining on the clock. Haliburton was patiently controlling the ball, attempting a sharp 3-pointer. He ran, dove, and shot.
Those few seconds felt like an eternity, as the ball looked like it would bounce off. But it bounced in, and the game was sent to overtime (replay showed Hailburton’s toe on the line) tied at 125.
MORE: Jalen Brunson Issues Clear Message to Knicks Teammates After Huge Fumble in Game 1
Indiana continued its efforts to gain that one final push for a 138-135 victory.
In the final period, Andrew Nembhard made several crucial plays to help Indiana gain the early series advantage. Haliburton, too, finished the game with a whopping 31 points on 12-of-23 shooting, 11 assists, and four rebounds.
A splendid comeback for the Pacers, overcoming New York’s defense, but the Knicks won’t take this loss with a grain of salt. They’ll need to rework their mental strength and return as a more potent force for Game 2.
