Tyrese Haliburton sends Game 1 to overtime with jaw-dropping buzzer beater [VIDEO]
Haliburton’s Heroics Stun MSG in Eastern Conference Finals Opener
Tyrese Haliburton delivered one of the most memorable shots of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, drilling a deep step-back three-pointer at the buzzer to tie Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at 125-125. The Indiana Pacers guard launched the game-tying shot just as time expired, stunning the Madison Square Garden crowd and forcing overtime against the New York Knicks.
This instant-classic moment came after the Knicks squandered a 17-point lead with just over six minutes remaining. With 1.4 seconds left and the Pacers trailing by three, Haliburton calmly backpedaled beyond the arc, created separation, and buried the shot to the disbelief of Knicks fans.
The Pacers went on to win Game 1 in overtime to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
The Clutch Factor
This isn’t the first time Haliburton has delivered in crunch time. During the 2023 in-season tournament, he nearly posted a triple-double against the 76ers in another nail-biting win. His performance tonight continues to build his resume as one of the NBA’s premier clutch performers. In addition, he’s had tons of moments in these playoffs.
Despite being one of the league’s youngest stars, Haliburton showed veteran poise and cold-blooded confidence. Therefore, proving he thrives under playoff pressure. He had plenty of moments last year vs. the Knicks. With each highlight-reel play, he’s further establishing himself as the face of the Pacers and a future face of the league.
Knicks vs. Pacers Game 1: Comeback Chaos
Entering the fourth quarter, the Knicks seemed in control. With 6:26 remaining, they held a commanding 111-94 lead. Jalen Brunson had paced New York with another strong offensive outing, while the Garden crowd was already anticipating a Game 1 victory.
Then came the collapse.
The Pacers stormed back with a 31-14 run, highlighted by a flurry of buckets from Aaron Nesmith and a key layup by Pascal Siakam. Indiana’s defense tightened, forcing turnovers and turning up the pace in transition. As the clock ticked down, the tension in the arena built to a boiling point—and then Haliburton detonated it with one shot.
Viral Moment on X (Twitter)
The NBA’s official account posted the clip almost immediately, captioned: “TYRESE HALIBURTON SENDS IT TO OVERTIME WITH A WILD SHOT 🤯🤯.” The post quickly racked up over a million views in minutes, with fans and media personalities flooding the replies.
- @officialeague: “THE SHOT OF A LIFETIME”
- @Eli: “HALIBURTON IS SO CLUTCH”
- @annoying_ohtani_fan: “Knicks blew that lead wtf 🥴”
- @2: “DRUG TEST NESMITH”
While some fans praised Haliburton, others questioned the Knicks’ late-game execution. The range of reactions added to the spectacle of the moment, making it one of the most talked-about plays of the playoffs.
Statistical Recap (As of Regulation End)
| Time in Game | Score | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6:26, 4th Quarter | Knicks 111-94 | Knicks held commanding lead |
| End of Regulation | 125-125 | Haliburton hits game-tying three at the buzzer |
Player Highlights
| Player | Team | Key Contribution |
| Tyrese Haliburton | Pacers | Game-tying three-pointer at buzzer |
| Jalen Brunson | Knicks | Led Knicks in scoring (full stat line pending) |
| Pascal Siakam | Pacers | Late-game layup, sparked momentum shift |
Historical Implications
This Eastern Conference Finals appearance is significant for both franchises. The Knicks have not reached the NBA Finals since 1999, while the Pacers’ last trip came in 2000. With the defending champion Boston Celtics eliminated, this series represents one of the most wide-open paths to the Finals in recent memory.
A victory tonight would have positioned the Knicks as frontrunners, especially with home-court advantage. But Haliburton’s buzzer-beater has now swung momentum in Indiana’s favor, creating a potential emotional letdown for the Knicks heading into overtime.
MSG: From Roar to Silence
When Haliburton’s shot went in, a deafening silence swept over the Garden. The Knicks bench froze. Fans had their hands on their heads. Meanwhile, the Pacers erupted in celebration, mobbing Haliburton near halfcourt as he stood emotionless, soaking in the moment.
It was the kind of silence only the most crushing moments can produce—a sudden hush that replaced 20,000 voices just moments after a seemingly certain win.
Initially, Haliburton’s shot looked like it bounced off the rim and missed. Instead, his shot went straight into the air and then fell through the hoop. After that, it looked like the Pacers stole the Game 1 win. However, it turns out that Haliburton’s foot was on the line. As a result, the Knicks had a lifeline going into overtime.
What Comes Next in This Heavyweight Matchup
With Game 1 already a thriller, the rest of this Eastern Conference Finals promises to be just as intense. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson and a passionate fan base, will have to regroup quickly to avoid falling behind in the series. Meanwhile, the Pacers will look to ride the emotional high of Haliburton’s heroics into Game 2, aiming to steal another on the road.
Adjustments from both coaches will be critical. Will the Knicks tighten their perimeter defense? Can the Pacers maintain their composure in a hostile environment? These questions add intrigue to a series that was already brimming with storylines. If the rest of the games are anything like the first, fans are in for a playoff series that could go down in NBA history.
Final Thoughts
Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals was supposed to be a statement night for the Knicks. Instead, it turned into a showcase for Tyrese Haliburton’s ascending star power. His buzzer-beating shot didn’t just tie the game—it changed the energy of the entire series.
The Pacers now have belief. The Knicks now have questions. And basketball fans everywhere have a new iconic playoff memory.
No matter how the rest of this series unfolds, Haliburton’s Game 1 heroics will live on in NBA lore as one of the defining moments of the 2025 postseason.
And if Indiana rides this wave to a series win, that one shot may be remembered as the beginning of a power shift in the East—one launched from well beyond the arc, with no time left on the clock.