The Final Countdown

The Indiana Pacers engineered one of basketball's greatest playoff comebacks Wednesday night, overcoming a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the New York Knicks 138-135 in overtime. With 2:45 remaining in regulation, the Pacers trailed by 14 points before launching an unprecedented 23-point surge that forced overtime.

Clutch Performances Define Game

Aaron Nesmith's shooting clinic kept Indiana alive, hitting five three-pointers in the final four minutes of regulation. His 30-point explosion set the stage for Tyrese Haliburton's controversial buzzer-beater that tied the game at 125-125, despite replays showing his foot on the three-point line.

Overtime Drama

The Pacers controlled overtime from the opening tip, with Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard combining for critical baskets. A successful challenge by Indiana's coaching staff overturned a crucial Knicks basket, shifting momentum permanently in the Pacers' favor.

Standout Performances

Aaron Nesmith: Matched the NBA playoff record with five three-pointers in a single quarter, scoring 20 of his 30 points in the final period.

Tyrese Haliburton: The All-Star guard extended his playoff streak to four consecutive games with clutch shots in the final 30 seconds, finishing with 31 points and 11 assists.

Jalen Brunson: Despite his 43-point effort, the Knicks star's fifth foul disrupted New York's offensive flow during Indiana's comeback surge.

Historic Implications

This victory marked Indiana's 22nd playoff win against New York in their ninth postseason meeting. The comeback shattered an NBA record - teams had been 994-0 when leading by 14+ points with under three minutes remaining.

Looking to Game 2

As the series shifts to Friday's matchup at Madison Square Garden, the Pacers carry momentum from this historic win while the Knicks seek redemption. This instant-classic contest solidifies Haliburton's emergence as a playoff performer and reignites one of basketball's fiercest rivalries.