Just when it looked like the Indiana Pacers were all but done in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final opposite the New York Knicks Wednesday night, a miracle ensued.
One of many Pacers fans, including a fan favorite athlete, won't soon forget.
Trailing by as many as 14 in the game's final minutes, the Pacers stormed back to steal a road win, 138-135, thanks to an elite shooting effort from Aaron Nesmith in a Reggie Miller-esque performance. Naismith finished with 30 points, spearheading what appeared as a game Indiana had no business winning for much of the second half.
One lucky bounce saw his fellow teammate, Tyrese Haliburton, force overtime to silence Madison Square Garden in regulation's closing seconds. This had another Indiana star and ex-Iowa Hawkeyes legend, Caitlin Clark, locked in.
Clark's Indiana Fever sit at 1-1, as they lost to the Atlanta Dream Tuesday night. With a day off, NBA playoff basketball was appointment viewing.
PACERS ARE THE GREATEST COMEBACK TEAM IVE EVER SEEN
— Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) May 22, 2025"PACERS ARE THE GREATEST COMEBACK TEAM I'VE EVER SEEN," Clark tweeted in all caps.
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It's hard to argue with Clark's assessment. After all, the Pacers made history with the win. Not only was the comeback improbable, but the Pacers broke a 21-year absence without a win in the Eastern Conference Finals leading up to Game 1.
However, the series is far from over. Neither team has a chance to rest fully between games. The series remains in New York Friday night, as the Pacers attempt to snag Game 2 and go home to Indianapolis two wins away from a possible sweep.
Meanwhile, it's back to the drawing board for the Knicks after knocking out the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics in the second round.
Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on TNT.