Nightly Pulse: Knicks vs Pacers, Game 1 – Eastern Conference Finals Showdown
The 2025 NBA Playoffs have been electric, and the Eastern Conference Finals have brought a nostalgic yet thrilling matchup between two storied franchises: the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers. Game 1 of the series tipped off at the iconic Madison Square Garden, drawing fans into a whirlwind of excitement, tension, and high-stakes basketball. For longtime followers of the NBA, this duel echoes the fierce battles of the 1990s, now rekindled with a modern edge. The stage was set for an epic Game 1, and both teams delivered a performance that lived up to the anticipation.
A Clash of Resurgent Titans
Both the Knicks and the Pacers have fought tooth and nail to get to this point. The Knicks, under the leadership of head coach Tom Thibodeau, entered the Conference Finals with a mix of veteran savvy and youthful energy. Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and Josh Hart have formed a dynamic trio, guiding the team through tough playoff battles. On the other hand, the Pacers have impressed with their up-tempo style, efficient offense, and strong leadership from head coach Rick Carlisle. With Tyrese Haliburton emerging as a bona fide star and Myles Turner anchoring the defense, Indiana has become one of the most exciting teams to watch.
Game 1 was more than just a playoff opener—it was a statement game, setting the tone for what promises to be a hard-fought series.
First Quarter: Knicks Set the Tone
The opening quarter saw the Knicks come out with intense energy, feeding off the electric Madison Square Garden crowd. Jalen Brunson was aggressive from the start, scoring 10 points in the first six minutes and attacking the rim with purpose. Josh Hart provided a strong defensive presence and ignited transition opportunities with key rebounds.
The Pacers initially struggled to find their rhythm, committing several early turnovers that led to easy points for the Knicks. Haliburton eventually settled the offense with a couple of smooth floaters and assists, but the Knicks’ physical defense, particularly from OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson, made it difficult for Indiana to execute cleanly.
By the end of the first quarter, the Knicks led 30–22, having dominated the glass and set the physical tone for the game.
Second Quarter: Indiana Finds Their Footing
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The second quarter was a different story. The Pacers adjusted quickly, with Carlisle opting for a smaller lineup that emphasized speed and spacing. This move opened up the floor for Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard, who exploited mismatches and used ball screens to create open shots. Indiana’s bench, particularly T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin, provided an energy boost, helping to trim the deficit.
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The Knicks, however, continued to rely on their physicality. Isaiah Hartenstein and RJ Barrett contributed with hustle plays, but their offense began to stagnate. New York struggled with shot selection, often settling for contested mid-range jumpers instead of attacking the rim.
Indiana closed the gap to just 3 points by halftime, with the score at 52–49. Haliburton had already logged 12 points and 6 assists, while Brunson led all scorers with 16.
Third Quarter: Back-and-Forth Battle
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The third quarter was a showcase of playoff basketball at its best. Both teams traded baskets in a high-intensity, back-and-forth sequence that had fans on the edge of their seats. Brunson continued his offensive mastery, slicing through defenders and finishing tough shots in the lane. Randle, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, came alive with a series of strong drives and fadeaway jumpers.
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On the Pacers’ side, Myles Turner began asserting himself, knocking down mid-range shots and blocking shots on the defensive end. Bennedict Mathurin brought an offensive spark, hitting a pair of crucial threes to keep Indiana close.
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The teams exchanged the lead multiple times, with neither side able to build a double-digit advantage. The Knicks maintained a slight edge going into the fourth, leading 79–76.
Fourth Quarter: Crunch-Time Heroics
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The fourth quarter was pure drama. With everything on the line, both teams turned up their intensity. The Knicks leaned heavily on Brunson, who continued to deliver in the clutch. His ability to create his own shot and draw fouls was invaluable down the stretch.
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Indiana, however, wasn’t going away. Haliburton remained composed, threading passes through tight windows and orchestrating the offense with poise beyond his years. Turner hit a key three with just over three minutes left to tie the game at 94–94.
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The final minutes were a defensive slugfest. Hart came up with a critical steal, leading to a fast break that Randle finished with a dunk to put the Knicks up by two. On the next possession, Haliburton answered with a floater to even the score again.
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With just 18 seconds left and the game tied at 98–98, the Knicks had the ball. After a timeout, Thibodeau drew up an isolation for Brunson. He calmly dribbled at the top of the key, crossed over Nembhard, and sank a step-back jumper with 1.7 seconds left on the clock. The Garden erupted.
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Indiana had one last chance, but Turner’s contested three-point attempt at the buzzer hit the back iron.
Final Score: Knicks 100, Pacers 98
Key Performances
• Jalen Brunson (Knicks): 32 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds
The heart and soul of New York’s offense, Brunson’s late-game heroics sealed the win and underscored his evolution into a true playoff star.
• Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers): 24 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds
Haliburton showcased elite court vision and scoring touch, keeping Indiana competitive from start to finish.
• Julius Randle (Knicks): 18 points, 9 rebounds
After a slow start, Randle’s second-half resurgence was vital in keeping the Knicks afloat during Indiana’s surges.
• Myles Turner (Pacers): 16 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks
Turner provided interior dominance on both ends, particularly in the third quarter when Indiana clawed back into the game.
What Game 1 Tells Us About the Series
Game 1 was everything fans could have hoped for—physicality, shot-making, intensity, and star power. Both teams proved they belong on this stage, and the close margin is indicative of how tight this series could be.
For the Knicks, their defense and Brunson’s clutch scoring will be key to maintaining momentum. But they’ll need more consistency from their bench and a more efficient shooting night from beyond the arc if they want to put Indiana away early in the series.
The Pacers, meanwhile, can take heart in their resilience. Despite a slow start and a hostile road environment, they stayed within striking distance and nearly stole the game. Their fast-paced offense can wear down the Knicks if they control the tempo and limit turnovers.
Looking Ahead
Game 1 sets the tone for what promises to be a memorable Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks now hold a 1–0 lead and will look to protect home court in Game 2. But the Pacers have shown they’re more than capable of stealing a win and swinging momentum their way.
As the series progresses, the adjustments, matchups, and mental toughness of each team will be tested. Fans should buckle up—this battle between the Knicks and Pacers is far from over.
Stay tuned for more live score updates, post-game analysis, and nightly highlights as the Eastern Conference Finals continue.
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