Everything about the play was ridiculous.
Tyrese Haliburton decided not to drive and instead to pull it out. Then he took a difficult fading shot that appeared initially to be a 3-pointer for the Pacers point guard.
Replays showed his right foot had been on the line, though, a 2-point attempt with a 2-point deficit at the regulation buzzer.
It had to go in, and it first clanged off the back rim.
But then it bounced straight up in the air and then dropped right through.
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Haliburton's toe had been inches from victory, but the ball hit just the right spot for the perfect bounce and overtime.
Haliburton threw in the choking celebration, which could've been premature but ended up being just right.
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TYRESE HALIBURTON'S STEPBACK GETS THE BOUNCE TO SEND GAME 1 TO OVERTIME 🤯
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 22, 2025
Did he celebrate too early?
🎥 @NBApic.twitter.com/TjIu4OlAcO
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It made no sense for the Pacers to be in that spot after trailing 116-102 with 3:14 left in the fourth quarter.
That's when Aaron Nesmith went nuclear to lead an insane comeback surge.
The Knicks missed multiple free throws down the stretch to open the door, and Haliburton was clutch as could be to send the game to overtime.
It's only Game 1. This series could be incredible.
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