Eastern Conference Finals Game 1: Pacers Upset Knicks In Overtime Classic

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Post on May 22, 2025

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Eastern Conference Finals Game 1: Pacers Upset Knicks in Overtime Classic

Indiana Pacers stun the New York Knicks in a nail-biting Game 1 overtime thriller, proving their underdog status is nothing to scoff at.

The Madison Square Garden crowd was electric, buzzing with anticipation for the Eastern Conference Finals. The New York Knicks, favorites heading into the series, were expected to dominate the Indiana Pacers. However, in a shocking turn of events, the Pacers emerged victorious in a breathtaking overtime clash, winning 118-115. This stunning upset sends a clear message: the Pacers are not to be underestimated.

The game was a back-and-forth battle from the opening tip-off. Both teams showcased exceptional offensive firepower, trading baskets throughout the regulation period. Julius Randle and RJ Barrett led the charge for the Knicks, consistently attacking the basket and hitting crucial shots. However, the Pacers countered with a balanced offensive attack, fueled by Tyrese Haliburton's masterful playmaking and impressive scoring contributions from Myles Turner and Buddy Hield.

<h3>Haliburton's Heroics and Turner's Dominance</h3>

Tyrese Haliburton was the undisputed star of the game, orchestrating the Pacers' offense with remarkable precision. His court vision was unparalleled, consistently finding open teammates for easy scores. He finished with 32 points and 14 assists, a performance that will be etched in Pacers' playoff history. Myles Turner also delivered a dominant performance, showcasing his inside-outside game with 28 points and 12 rebounds, consistently frustrating Randle in the paint.

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<h3>Knicks' Late-Game Struggles and Missed Opportunities</h3>

Despite Randle's impressive 35 points and Barrett's 26, the Knicks faltered in crunch time. Turnovers proved costly in the final minutes of regulation, allowing the Pacers to force overtime. Missed free throws and crucial defensive lapses also contributed to their defeat. The Knicks' inability to contain Haliburton and Turner in the final stretches of the game proved to be their downfall.

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<h3>Overtime Intensity and the Pacers' Triumph</h3>

Overtime was a heart-stopping affair, with both teams trading baskets. The tension in the arena was palpable. However, the Pacers' resilience shone through. Clutch plays from Haliburton and key defensive stops sealed the deal, leaving the Knicks stunned and the Pacers celebrating a well-deserved victory. The final buzzer sparked wild celebrations on the Pacers' bench, a testament to their hard-fought win.

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<h3>What's Next for the Series?</h3>

Game 1 proved that this Eastern Conference Finals series will be a thrilling contest. The Knicks will undoubtedly look to bounce back in Game 2, but the Pacers have shown they have the talent and grit to compete with the best. The series is far from over, and fans can expect more intense battles ahead. The Pacers’ stunning upset win serves as a major plot twist, setting the stage for a potentially unforgettable series. This is a series that will undoubtedly keep basketball fans glued to their screens. The question now is: can the Pacers maintain this momentum, or will the Knicks regain their composure and even the series? Only time will tell.

Keywords: Eastern Conference Finals, Pacers, Knicks, Game 1, Overtime, Upset, Haliburton, Turner, Randle, Barrett, Playoffs, NBA, Basketball, Madison Square Garden, Underdog, Thriller