The Indiana Pacers overcame a 14-point deficit to the New York Knicks with less than three minutes remaining, fueled by a late surge led by Aaron Nesmith’s barrage of three-pointers and Haliburton’s calm under pressure.

With the game tied and the clock winding down in regulation, Tyrese Haliburton hit a miraculous buzzer-beater jumper that bounced high off the rim before dropping through the net, sending the game into overtime and electrifying the crowd.

Haliburton’s shot was initially thought to be a three-pointer that would win the game, but after review, it was ruled a two-pointer, forcing the extra period. The Pacers carried that momentum into overtime, ultimately securing the victory and stealing home-court advantage in the series.

The iconic hand-off to Karl-Anthony Towns

With the game sealed at 138-135 and just 0.2 seconds left in overtime, Haliburton showcased his basketball IQ and playful confidence. Knowing there wasn’t enough time to attempt a shot, he calmly inbounded the ball by handing it directly to Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns fired off a shot, but the buzzer had already sounded, and the Pacers were celebrating their stunning road win.

This subtle yet brilliant move quickly went viral, with fans and analysts praising Haliburton’s cool composure and sense of humor in the moment. It was a fitting capstone to a game that featured his 31 points, 11 assists, and several clutch plays that underscored his status as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.

Haliburton’s impact and the Pacers’ resilience

Throughout the game, Haliburton was aggressive and impactful, shooting 9-for-17 from the field and orchestrating the Pacers’ offense with poise. His leadership in the clutch moments, combined with Nesmith’s hot shooting, helped Indiana overcome what seemed like an insurmountable deficit.

Haliburton’s performance continues to cement his place among the elite playoff performers, joining a rare group of players who have averaged over 18 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds in their first 25 playoff games.

By stealing Game 1 on the road, the Pacers have set the tone for a hard-fought series against the Knicks. Game 2 is set to tip off Friday night, May 23rd, at Madison Square Garden, with both teams eager to assert dominance early in the series.