The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks faced off in a thrilling Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, with Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton hitting what he thought was a game-winning 3-pointer, only for it to be changed to a two after a replay review. As he looked towards the broadcast booth, he spotted TNT commentator and former Pacers legend Reggie Miller and mimicked the famous choke gesture Miller made 31 years ago in the same building.
The game ended with a 138-135 overtime victory for Indiana, setting the stage for an intense series between the two historic rivals. Despite the confusion over Haliburton’s celebration, the matchup showcased incredible comebacks, impressive shotmaking, physical play, and a dramatic finish, with both teams’ stars delivering memorable moments throughout the game.
The rivalry between the Pacers and the Knicks dates back to the 1990s, with iconic moments like John Starks headbutting Miller in 1993, Miller’s legendary 8 points in nine seconds in 1995, and the Knicks’ upset over the Pacers in 1999. The intensity of the matchups has carried over into recent years, with last year’s semifinal series ending in a seven-game victory for Indiana, sparking new confrontations and storylines between the two teams. As the rivalry continues to evolve, the current generation of players like Haliburton and Jalen Brunson are adding their own chapters to the historic feud, promising an exciting future for fans of both teams.
