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Aaron Nesmith’s Historic Shooting Display Powers Pacers to Game 1 OT Thriller Over Knicks

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Table of Contents

The Improbable Comeback

The Indiana Pacers engineered one of basketball's most dramatic playoff comebacks Wednesday night, overcoming a 14-point deficit to stun the New York Knicks 138-135 in overtime at Madison Square Garden. Aaron Nesmith's extraordinary three-point shooting performance became the defining story of this Eastern Conference Finals opener.

Aaron Nesmith’s Historic Shooting Display Powers Pacers to Game 1 OT Thriller Over Knicks

Nesmith's Shooting Masterclass

The 6'6" wing player delivered a career-defining performance, scoring 30 points with remarkable 8-of-9 accuracy from beyond the arc. His five critical three-pointers in the final five minutes of regulation and overtime transformed the game's momentum:

Ignited 14-0 run with back-to-back threes
Converted crucial free throws after intentional foul
Forced overtime with clutch shot-making

Historic Playoff Performance

Nesmith's 2025 playoff statistics reveal unprecedented efficiency:

53.8% three-point accuracy
22.3 points per game average
+21.3 net rating in clutch moments

Team Synergy & Strategy

Teammate Tyrese Haliburton (31 points, 11 assists) praised Nesmith's basketball IQ: "His off-ball movement creates open looks. Whether slipping screens or finding soft spots in coverage, he's always positioned to strike." This synergy has become Indiana's trademark, building on previous playoff comebacks against Milwaukee and Cleveland.

Knicks' Collapse & Challenges

Despite standout performances from Jalen Brunson (43 points) and Karl-Anthony Towns (35 points, 12 rebounds), New York's late-game execution faltered. The loss continues their playoff struggles against Indiana, dating back to Reggie Miller's legendary performances in the 1990s.

Legacy in the Making

Nesmith's performance drew comparisons to Miller's iconic 1994 choke gesture, with modern analytics underscoring its significance. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged the challenge: "His shot-making defies conventional defense. We must innovate our coverage for Game 2."