Madison Square Garden witnessed one of the most unexpected and heart-wrenching collapses in New York Knicks playoff history on Wednesday night. Despite holding a commanding 17-point lead in the fourth quarter — and still leading by 14 with less than three minutes to go — the Knicks faltered down the stretch, losing 138–135 in overtime to the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

A Game That Looked Won — Until It Wasn’t

For most of the game, the Knicks looked like the superior team. The crowd at MSG roared with every bucket, as New York pushed ahead with a high-energy performance led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Brunson continued his playoff brilliance with 43 points, while Towns added a powerful double-double: 35 points and 12 rebounds.

But with 2:39 left on the clock in the fourth quarter, holding a 14-point advantage, something shifted. The Pacers, led by All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, came roaring back with fierce urgency and pinpoint execution. They rattled off a 16–2 run to tie the game in dramatic fashion and forced the game into overtime — shocking both fans and the Knicks’ bench.

Indiana’s Impressive Comeback

Credit must be given where it’s due: the Pacers executed a near-perfect final stretch. Tyrese Haliburton led the charge with 31 points and 11 assists, showcasing his playmaking and clutch shot-making in crunch time. Aaron Nesmith was the unexpected hero, hitting multiple three-pointers in the final minutes — including one that tied the game and another that gave Indiana the edge in overtime.

Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner also stepped up, controlling the paint and making critical stops on defense. The Pacers outscored the Knicks 21–8 over the final two minutes and overtime.

Turnovers, Missed Free Throws Costly for New York

The Knicks didn’t just lose because Indiana played well — they beat themselves in the final minutes. Turnovers, rushed possessions, and poor decision-making plagued them during the Pacers’ rally. Perhaps most painful were the missed free throws and defensive lapses that gave Indiana extra chances to score.

Jalen Brunson, despite his scoring heroics, committed two costly turnovers late in regulation. Julius Randle struggled with foul trouble and missed key defensive rotations. The bench, which had been reliable all season, failed to deliver under pressure.

History Repeats in the Worst Way

This loss was not only demoralizing for the Knicks — it was historic. According to NBA stats, no team had lost a playoff game after leading by 14 or more with under three minutes remaining since 1997. The Knicks now carry that burden, a painful reminder that no lead is safe in the postseason.

“It hurts, no question,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said in the postgame press conference. “We didn’t execute in the final minutes. You have to close games in the playoffs. We let it slip, and they made us pay.”

Fan Reactions: From Roars to Silence

The energy in Madison Square Garden was electric — until it wasn’t. What began as a night of celebration turned into disbelief. As the final buzzer sounded in overtime, thousands of fans stood frozen, stunned by what they had just witnessed.

“It was like watching a dream turn into a nightmare,” said a longtime season ticket holder outside MSG. “We had it. I don’t know how we let it go.”

What This Means for the Series

With Indiana now holding a 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series, the pressure shifts heavily onto the Knicks heading into Game 2. They can’t afford to drop another home game before heading to Indiana for Games 3 and 4.

There’s no panic yet in the Knicks’ locker room, but players acknowledged the magnitude of their mistake.

“We’ve got to be better — mentally tougher in the clutch,” said Brunson. “We’re not out of this. It’s one game, but yeah, this one stings.”

Pacers’ Confidence Grows

For Indiana, this win is more than just a Game 1 victory — it’s a statement. Few expected the Pacers, considered underdogs in the series, to walk into MSG and pull off such a dramatic win. But their young core, high-tempo offense, and refusal to quit have suddenly made this a wide-open series.

Coach Rick Carlisle praised his team’s resilience.

“They didn’t give up,” Carlisle said. “We were down big, but we trusted each other, moved the ball, got stops when it mattered. This team believes it can win — and tonight proved why.”

Looking Ahead: Game 2 Preview

Game 2 will be held Friday night at Madison Square Garden, and it now carries even more weight for the Knicks. A 0–2 deficit heading into Indiana could prove too much to overcome.

Expect adjustments from Thibodeau, especially on the defensive end. The Knicks may tighten their rotation and focus more on clock management and late-game strategy. The status of OG Anunoby (questionable with a leg injury) will also be a key storyline to watch.

Final Thoughts

This game reminded basketball fans everywhere why the NBA playoffs are unpredictable and thrilling. Momentum can shift in seconds, and no lead — not even 14 points with under three minutes — is truly safe.

The Knicks still have the talent and experience to win this series. But now, they’ll need grit, discipline, and mental toughness to bounce back from one of the most painful losses in franchise playoff history.

For the Pacers, it’s a dream start — and they’re just getting started.