One thing is clear – we NEED the Knicks-Pacers series to go to seven games after an unbelievable comeback OT win by the Pacers.
Tyrese Haliburton was the man of the moment in Indiana’s 138-135 victory. But, he wouldn’t have been in that position without Aaron Nesmith – who hit six threes in the fourth quarter to spark his team’s comeback.
He finished the night with 30 points, two rebounds, two blocks and 9-13 from the field and 8-9 from three-point range – the game of his goddamn life!
But, it was Haliburton who stole the show, hitting what appeared to be a three to win the Pacers the game at the final buzzer, with an absolutely insane bounce shot.
TYRESE HALIBURTON WITH THE SHOOTER’S TOUCH AND THE GARDEN IS STUNNED
FREE BASKETBALL
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 22, 2025
However, the shot was reviewed and his foot was on the line, so it sent the game to OT where Indiana were able to close it out.
It was Hali’s FOURTH go-ahead, game-winning, or game-tying FG in the last 30 seconds of 4Q or OT…IN THIS PLAYOFFS ALONE! That ties Ray Allen (4 in 2009) for the most since the 1998 playoffs!
Not to mention, Haliburton hasn’t missed a shot in the final 30 seconds of a clutch game this playoffs.
The NBA world couldn’t believe what they were witnessing. Some of the best and most hilarious reactions to the game and are below:
Those people saying Haliburton was overrated I wonder what their sources were? 🤔🤔🤔🤔
— Victor Oladipo (@VicOladipo) May 22, 2025
What a comeback victory for the Indiana Pacers vs. the NY Knicks!! This was the best game of the entire Playoffs and really the game of the year in the NBA!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 22, 2025
This Pacers team pic.twitter.com/bM2n1jmWAg
— 💫 (@NewMediaSports_) May 22, 2025
NBA teams in last 20 years to win a road playoff game after being down by 14+ points with less than three minutes left in the 4th quarter:
The Pacers tonight.
That’s it. pic.twitter.com/T5jzMLn912
— Greg Harvey (@BetweenTheNums) May 22, 2025
Before tonight, teams leading by 9+ with 1:00 left were 1434-0 in NBA playoff games.
The Pacers just made it 1434-1. pic.twitter.com/dzCQR6GJSk
— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) May 22, 2025
The Pacers every time you think they are dead pic.twitter.com/oZGbS1inHH
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) May 22, 2025
Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle is asked whether he wished Haliburton hadn’t done the choking gesture: “Tyrese has earned the right to do whatever he wants.”
Game 2 will once again be in New York, one that the Knicks seemingly must win.
READ MORE: Tyrese Haliburton Invites Bullied Pacers Fan to Game 4