The 2019 Eastern Conference finals opened with a thrilling Game 1 on Wednesday night. The Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 123-119 in overtime to win the 2018 NBA India Games. Tyrese Haliburton was electric to energize the Pacers on the next three games. He dropped 31 points and hammered 11 assists. This matchup was especially sweet for the Knicks, as it was their first trip to the Eastern Conference finals since 2000. Further, it marked the ninth playoff matchup between these two squads.
From a procedural standpoint, it was a thrilling game overall and in particular the last few minutes of regulation and overtime. The Knicks never surrendered control of the game thanks to Jalen Brunson’s stunning 43-point explosion. They suddenly gained a huge lead and seemed utterly untouchable. At one point, they led by 14 points with just 2:51 left in the fourth quarter, a position that historically provided teams with a 994-0 record since play-by-play data began in 1997-98. The Pacers came storming back in the final moments to pull off the improbable comeback.
With time ticking down in regulation, Haliburton had an opportunity to send the game into overtime but was unable to convert. The Knicks had a dominating nine-point lead with under a minute to go in the game. In playoff history since 1998, teams down nine or more points had never won, sitting at 0-1,414. Even with these impressive figures, the Pacers pulled off one of the more improbable comebacks imaginable.
Aaron Nesmith has been a breakout player for Indiana. He ended the game with 30 points and shot an incredible 8-for-9 from beyond the arc. His long-range shooting fueled the comeback and kept Miami alive and in striking distance as game time faded. On the Knicks side, Karl-Anthony Towns had a huge game, scoring 35 points along with grabbing 12 rebounds.
Indeed, the game reached its high point in overtime. Thank you so much for joining us, Andrew Nembhard for nailing that go-ahead basket with just 26 seconds left! It was this game-changing shot that propelled the Pacers to a lead that they would never give up.
As Game 1 came to a close, both teams showed what they’re made of, and this series became the must-watch series most expected. Game 2 takes place Friday night. Meeting Story Both teams will look to continue the energy after a game which, like the opener, proved plenty exciting.
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