Game 1 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks will be etched in basketball history due to one of the most remarkable comebacks ever. Heading into the fourth quarter, teams with a 14-point lead in the last 2:45 had never lost, boasting a 994-0 record since 1997-98. However, after the Knicks’ 138-135 overtime loss to the Pacers, that record changed to 994-1.
The Knicks initially built a significant lead, highlighted by a 14-0 run after star guard Jalen Brunson sat with five fouls, putting them up 108-92 with just over seven minutes remaining. The Pacers’ resurgence began with guard Aaron Nesmith, who cut into the deficit with a crucial three-pointer at 4:45 left on the clock. As the teams exchanged baskets, Nesmith continued to shine, sinking multiple three-pointers and narrowing the gap to 123-121 with just over 20 seconds left.
In a tense final stretch, both teams engaged in a free-throw contest, with the Knicks struggling at the line. The Pacers capitalized on this, trailing by only two points at 125-123 as the clock wound down. Tyrese Haliburton nearly secured victory with a potential game-winning shot, but his toe was on the line, leaving the game tied at the end of regulation.
Overtime saw the Knicks start strong, but the Pacers quickly countered. In the final minute, Indiana displayed exceptional ball movement, securing a lay-up by Andrew Nembhard that ultimately sealed their stunning comeback, marking the first time a team has come back from such a deficit in the closing moments.
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