Tyrese Haliburton’s Late Burst Leads Pacers to Stunning Win Over Knicks

NEW YORK, NY – In a thrilling NBA playoff encounter, Tyrese Haliburton propelled the Indiana Pacers to a dramatic 138-135 overtime victory against the New York Knicks on May 22, 2025. Haliburton, who finished with 31 points, executed a crucial last-minute shot that not only tied the game but also forced overtime.

As the clock wound down in the fourth quarter, with the Pacers trailing 125-123, Haliburton launched an off-balance two-point shot that arched high before sinking through the net. This comeback showcased Haliburton’s composure and skill, drawing comparisons to historic playoff moments.

The game turned chaotic as the Knicks, who held a comfortable lead earlier in the match, faltered down the stretch. New York’s center, Karl-Anthony Towns, had struggled through the first three quarters, scoring only four points and accumulating four fouls, leading to harsh criticisms from NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal.

In the post-game analysis, Shaq expressed concerns about Towns’ performance, stating, “If I was playing with him right now we would be fighting in the locker room.” His comments came after Towns missed easy shots near the basket, exacerbating the team’s challenges.

However, Towns redeemed himself by scoring 20 points in the final quarter, contributing to the Knicks’ competitive push. His efforts ultimately came up short, as Indiana capitalized on mistakes and seized the game in overtime.

In a significant moment of nostalgia, Haliburton echoed former Pacers great Reggie Miller‘s famed “choke” gesture after his game-tying shot. Haliburton acknowledged the importance of honoring Miller, stating, “I wanted [Reggie Miller] to see [the choke celebration] more than anything.”

Pacers guard Aaron Nesmith also played a vital role, scoring 30 points and boosting the team’s performance during pivotal moments. The combination of Haliburton’s late-game heroics and Nesmith’s support marked a memorable night for the Pacers.

As the two teams prepare for Game 2 of the series, the Pacers aim to maintain their momentum while the Knicks look to rebound from this gut-wrenching defeat.