The Indiana Pacers channeled the ghosts of their 1990s rivalry with the New York Knicks on Wednesday, erasing a late deficit to steal Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals 121-118 in overtime. Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch shotmaking and a brazen Reggie Miller-esque celebration fueled the upset, while head coach Rick Carlisle doubled down on his team’s swagger. Here’s how the Pacers silenced Madison Square Garden and reignited a historic feud.
Haliburton’s Heroics: The Shot That Saved Indiana
With the Pacers trailing 110-107 and 12 seconds left in regulation, Haliburton delivered a moment destined for playoff lore:
- The Shot: Off a broken play, Haliburton dribbled into a double team, stepped back, and launched a contested 26-foot three-pointer over Donte DiVincenzo to force overtime.
- Stat Line: 32 points, 12 assists, 7 rebounds, and 6 three-pointers—his fourth 30+ point game of the playoffs.
- Cold-Blooded Swagger: “I live for those moments,” Haliburton said postgame. “When that shot left my hand, I knew it was good.”
The Pacers outscored the Knicks 14-8 in OT, capped by Haliburton’s floater over Mitchell Robinson to seal the win.
“Choke” Sign 2.0: Haliburton Channels Reggie Miller
Haliburton’s audacity didn’t stop at his shotmaking. After sinking the game-tying three, he turned to the MSG crowd and mimicked Reggie Miller’s infamous 1994 “choke” gesture, waving his hand across his throat in defiance.
- History Repeating: Miller’s original taunt came during his 25-point fourth quarter in the 1994 playoffs, a moment etched in Knicks-Pacers lore.
- Fan Backlash: The crowd erupted in boos, with Spike Lee (seated courtside) visibly furious. Haliburton later laughed, “Reggie texted me after. He said, ‘Welcome to the club.’”
- Coach Carlisle’s Support: “Tyrese is built for this stage. If you don’t like his celebration, stop him,” Carlisle said, dismissing criticism of the gesture.
Knicks’ Collapse: Fatigue or Fatal Flaw?
New York squandered a 7-point lead with under three minutes left, raising questions about their late-game execution:
- Brunson’s Burden: Jalen Brunson (38 points) shot 12/29 and committed 5 turnovers, visibly gassed in OT.
- Randle’s Struggles: Julius Randle (14 points, 5/18 FG) was smothered by Pascal Siakam, continuing his inconsistent playoff run.
- Injury Toll: OG Anunoby (knee) logged just 24 minutes, exposing the Knicks’ thin rotation.
Carlisle’s Confidence: “We’re Here to Make Noise”
The Pacers’ coach leaned into his team’s underdog mentality postgame:
- Embracing Villainy: “We know nobody picked us. That’s fine. We’ll keep proving people wrong.”
- Tempo Control: Indiana’s league-best offense (123.3 PPG) pushed the pace, outscoring New York 28-6 in fast-break points.
- Defensive Adjustments: Myles Turner’s 5 blocks anchored a surprising defensive effort, holding the Knicks to 42% shooting.
Fan Reactions & Series Outlook
- Viral Moment: Haliburton’s “choke” gesture trended across social media, drawing reactions from Miller himself: “Love to see it. This rivalry’s back!”
- Betting Shift: The Pacers’ odds to win the series improved from +240 to +150 after Game 1.
- Game 2 Adjustments: Expect the Knicks to double Haliburton earlier and prioritize Randle-Anunoby pick-and-rolls.
Series Prediction: Pacers in 6. Indiana’s depth and tempo will overwhelm New York’s exhausted core.
Final Thoughts
Tyrese Haliburton’s Game 1 masterpiece wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. By invoking Reggie Miller’s spirit, he reignited a rivalry that defined 90s basketball and positioned the Pacers as legitimate title threats. With Carlisle’s unwavering confidence and the Knicks on the ropes, this series promises fireworks.
Can the Knicks recover, or is Haliburton destined for an MSG coronation? Sound off in the comments!
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