Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers delivered the type of drama only the NBA Playoffs can offer — high stakes, high energy, and a wire-to-wire battle. But when the final buzzer sounded, it was the Indiana Pacers who escaped Madison Square Garden with a narrow victory, stealing home-court advantage and sending a clear message: their pace and depth may be too much for the Knicks to handle.
For much of the game, the Knicks fought with the resilience that has defined their season. Jalen Brunson once again put on a show, scoring efficiently and creating opportunities for teammates despite constant defensive pressure. His leadership and ability to control the game’s tempo kept New York in it throughout, and for stretches, it looked like the Knicks were poised to take the opener.
But the Pacers didn’t blink. Instead, they leaned into their greatest strength: relentless pace. Led by the electrifying Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana pushed the tempo at every opportunity, testing the Knicks’ legs and depth. Haliburton didn’t even need to score heavily to make his presence felt; his ability to generate transition looks and orchestrate quick offensive sets threw the Knicks off balance repeatedly.
By the fourth quarter, New York’s energy began to wane. The signs were subtle at first — slower closeouts, missed box-outs, short jumpers — but they accumulated quickly. With OG Anunoby and Josh Hart logging heavy minutes on both ends of the floor and Julius Randle still sidelined due to injury, the Knicks’ rotation began to fray under Indiana’s unrelenting pace.
The Pacers’ bench was another crucial factor. T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin brought instant energy, pushing the ball and creating mismatches against a tired Knicks second unit. Indiana’s role players made timely shots and executed with precision, while New York struggled to find consistent contributions beyond their starters.
Defensively, the Knicks were a step slow late in the game, and the Pacers capitalized. Whether it was Myles Turner stretching the floor with timely three-pointers or Andrew Nembhard attacking closeouts, Indiana made the most of every crack in the Knicks’ armor. Their speed in transition, combined with crisp half-court ball movement, became overwhelming down the stretch.
Tom Thibodeau, known for squeezing every ounce of effort out of his players, now faces a strategic dilemma: how to counter the Pacers’ speed without burning out his core guys even further. He may have to go deeper into his bench or adjust the team’s pace to force a more controlled game.
Game 1 was a thriller, but the final minutes painted a worrying picture for the Knicks. If they can’t find a way to slow down Indiana or get fresh legs into the rotation, this series could slip away quickly. The Pacers proved they’re not just happy to be here — they’re ready to run New York out of the building.
