In a thrilling Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers sent the match into overtime with a dramatic buzzer-beater, taking advantage of a late-game collapse from the New York Knicks. The Pacers emerged victorious with a score of 138-135, securing a 1-0 lead in the series.
Haliburton celebrated his game-tying shot with the iconic choke gesture, reminiscent of Reggie Miller’s famous taunt towards the Knicks after his stunning performance in the 1994 Eastern Conference finals, where he scored 25 points in the fourth quarter of a crucial Game 5.
With a strong 3-point shooting display from Aaron Nesmith, the Pacers fought back from a 113-98 deficit in the final five minutes. They found themselves trailing 125-123 with just 7.3 seconds left in regulation. The ball found its way to Haliburton, who raced down the court, made a quick move back beyond the 3-point arc, and with time running out, launched a shot from the top of the key. The ball hit the back of the rim, soared up, and swished through the net as the buzzer sounded, sending the game into overtime.
After the game, Haliburton spoke with TNT about the choke sign.”Everybody’s been wanting me to do it,” he said. “I was going to hold it for the right time. It felt appropriate. And then, you know, it went to overtime.”We just figured out a way to win, man… I’m so proud of this group.”
