NEW YORK — In a stunning turn of events that left fans in disbelief, the New York Knicks experienced a loss that’s now etched in playoff history. Picture this: a vibrant Madison Square Garden echoed with the excitement of victory, only to fall silent as the night took a turn no one saw coming.
As the final moments of the game unfolded, Knicks fans began to feel the exhilaration of a 14-point lead with just 2:51 remaining. The excitement crescendoed when Jalen Brunson’s three-pointer rippled through the net, prompting some fans to head for the exits, confidence swelling in their hearts. But then, as if scripted for a thriller, the unexpected occurred.
With just under a minute left, Brunson hit another layup, seemingly sealing the deal for the Knicks. Yet, unease crept in. Indiana’s fervent response came in the form of sharpshooting, with Aaron Nesmith stunning the crowd by sinking six three-pointers in the fourth quarter — three of those in the frantic final minute. The atmosphere shifted, and the Knicks found themselves in precarious territory. When Tyrese Haliburton, the star guard for the Pacers, found the courage to take a challenging shot from deep, it miraculously swished through the net, sending the game into overtime.
What followed was a staggering defeat: the Pacers outlasted the Knicks, 138-135. This loss marked not just any defeat; it became part of an exclusive club in playoff lore. As per historical data, no team had ever won a playoff game after trailing by nine points or more in the final minute of regulation or overtime since 1998, leaving the record at an improbable 1-1,414.
Center Karl-Anthony Towns summed it up aptly, reflecting on the decline in execution during the critical moments. The Knicks indeed played well for the bulk of the game but faltered just when it mattered most. The final two minutes of regulation showcased defensive lapses and missed opportunities — a theme that tracks with the strict discipline this team had exhibited throughout the playoffs.
The Knicks made their mark this postseason by capitalizing on opponents’ errors, proving to be clutch in tight situations. Yet, against the Pacers, the narrative flipped. They allowed Indiana to capitalize on missed assignments in pick-and-roll defense, leading to easy buckets when the game was on the line. Mistakes mounted; turnovers crept in as New York struggled to maintain control in overtime, finishing with 15 overall turnovers, three in those frantic last moments. Whereas the Knicks had dominated earlier, they unraveled under pressure, reminiscent of past teams that couldn’t close out games they were meant to win.
As Josh Hart acknowledged, the Knicks’ intensity dipped at the worst possible moment. They must regroup and learn from this experience in their next outing. For all the heartbreak, there was a silver lining: for most of the game, New York displayed superior basketball, dominating the boards until the Pacers seized control. Brunson’s and Towns’ impressive performances kept the hope alive for the fans until the game slipped away.
In a moment that stirred nostalgia, Haliburton’s post-game celebration echoed the iconic gestures of Indiana legend Reggie Miller, who famously taunted Spike Lee with a similar move during a critical playoff moment back in the day. That gesture isn’t just a callback; it speaks volumes about the weight of history in this rivalry.
Though their spirits might feel battered after this gut-wrenching defeat, the Knicks have shown resilience throughout the season. As they ready themselves for the next clash, the question lingers: will this moment fuel their fire or fracture their resolve?
Brunson reminds us there’s still plenty of basketball left to play. “We can’t sulk. We just got to get better,” he said. The scene shifts to the court again come Friday, and for Knicks fans, the heartbeat of hope still remains strong.
