In a thrilling Conference Finals opener, the Indiana Pacers secured a hard-fought 138-135 overtime victory against the New York Knicks on the road, fueled by record-breaking individual performances from their key players.
Aaron Nesmith etched his name in the NBA history books with a remarkable shooting display, connecting on six three-pointers in the fourth quarter alone—the most by any player in a playoff game since 1998. The sharpshooter finished with 30 points, with an impressive 20 coming in that crucial fourth period. His total of eight three-pointers established a new franchise playoff record for the Pacers.
While Nesmith provided the offensive firepower, it was Tyrese Haliburton who delivered in the clutch yet again. The star guard forced overtime with another late-game heroic moment, marking the fourth time in this year's playoffs that he has either tied the game or secured a win in the final 30 seconds of regulation or overtime. Only Ray Allen has matched this clutch performance, achieving the same feat during the 2009 playoffs.
Haliburton didn't stop there, finishing with 31 points and 11 assists to become the first player in Indiana Pacers history to record a 30-point double-double in a Conference Finals game.
According to Statbet, the Pacers' comeback victory significantly improves their statistical outlook for the series, with teams winning Game 1 on the road historically advancing in over 65% of Conference Finals matchups.
The dramatic contest sets the stage for what promises to be an intense series as the Pacers now hold the early advantage with the series shifting to Indiana for Games 3 and 4.
