Aaron Nesmith etched his name in Indiana Pacers' playoff lore with a scintillating performance in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, May 21, 2025. His late-game heroics from beyond the arc fueled a stunning Pacers comeback, ultimately leading to a 138-135 overtime victory at Madison Square Garden and a 1-0 series lead.
Nesmith's contribution wasn't just good, it was record-breaking. He erupted for 20 points in the fourth quarter, with six of those points coming from beyond the arc. In the last 5 minutes of regulation play, Nesmith made six 3-pointers, joining an exclusive list of NBA players to achieve this feat in the postseason, alongside names like Steph Curry, Bojan Bogdanovic, Devin Booker, Damian Lillard, and Michael Porter Jr. Overall, Nesmith finished the game with a career-high 30 points, shooting an incredible 8-of-9 from three-point range.
The Pacers found themselves trailing by as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter, and a seemingly insurmountable 14 points with just under three minutes remaining. But Nesmith's hot hand ignited a furious rally. He scored 11 consecutive points in the final minute, setting the stage for Tyrese Haliburton's game-tying basket. Indiana outscored the Knicks 20-6 in the final two minutes and change of the game.
With the Pacers down by two points with just 7.3 seconds left, Haliburton drove the length of the court. His apparent game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer initially sent the Pacers into a frenzy, with Haliburton even mimicking Reggie Miller's infamous "choke" sign toward the Knicks bench. However, replays revealed that Haliburton's toe was on the three-point line, making it a two-point basket and sending the game into overtime.
Despite the momentary disappointment, the Pacers carried their momentum into the extra period. Andrew Nembhard's clutch plays, including a go-ahead layup with 26.7 seconds remaining, helped Indiana secure the victory. The Knicks, rattled by the Pacers' comeback, struggled to execute in the final moments of overtime, with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns missing crucial shots.
Nesmith's Game 1 performance was a testament to his hard work and dedication. While Haliburton and Pascal Siakam often lead the charge for Indiana, Nesmith stepped up when his team needed him most. His ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc not only provided a spark offensively, but also energized the entire Pacers team. This win marked Indiana's fourth 15-point comeback win this postseason, tying the 2003 Mavericks for the most such triumphs in the past 25 years.
Looking ahead, the Pacers hope Nesmith can maintain this level of shooting consistency throughout the series. A repeat performance could significantly boost their chances of reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. Game 2 is set for Friday night in New York, where the Pacers will aim to build on their momentum and take a commanding 2-0 lead.
