The Indiana Pacers overturned a 17-point deficit within the fourth quarter earlier than beating the New York Knicks in time beyond regulation to win the opening sport of their NBA Jap Convention finals collection 138-135.
Jalen Brunson ended the night time with 41 factors for the Knicks and helped them to guide 69-62 at half-time.
The hosts continued to drag away and had been 14 factors clear with two minutes and 51 seconds left to play.
Nevertheless, Indiana scored six straight three-pointers – 5 by Aaron Nesmith – earlier than Tyrese Haliburton pressured time beyond regulation with a two-point shot on the buzzer.
Momentum remained with the Pacers in time beyond regulation as they recorded a well-known victory at Madison Sq. Backyard.
“I am so pleased with the resilience of this group, we have proven all of it yr. We have needed to win in so many alternative, random, distinctive methods and we simply stored going, stored combating, and man, that is enjoyable,” Haliburton informed TNT.
“We performed lots of video games the place it felt like the opposite staff had management.
“It ain’t over till it is over, till it hits zero. That is a hell of a win. However I actually do assume there’s loads for us to enhance on.”
Haliburton thought he had received the sport in regulation time when making an attempt a three-pointer – even mimicking Corridor of Famer Reggie Miller’s notorious ‘choke’ celebration – however replays confirmed his toe was on the road and it solely counted for 2.
It’s the fourth time the Pacers have received from being 15 factors or extra behind throughout the post-season.
“There’s clearly a disappointment if you fall quick,” mentioned Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau.
“We obtained to be prepared for sport two, and that is all you take a look at. So, the frustration, we have got to show that into extra dedication.”
The second sport of the best-of-seven collection takes place in New York at 01:00 BST on Saturday.
In the meantime, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – who led Oklahoma City Thunder to victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in sport one of many Western Convention finals – has been named because the NBA’s Most Precious Participant for 2024-25.
