The NBA playoffs took a dramatic turn on May 21, 2025, as the Indiana Pacers stunned the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. This shocking upset, marked by a 23-point surge in the final minutes, has left fans reeling and questioning the Knicks’ playoff resilience.
- Knicks collapse after 17-point fourth-quarter lead
- Tyrese Haliburton's clutch performance for Pacers
- Knicks set record for playoff collapse
- Coach Thibodeau emphasizes need for defense
- Jalen Brunson and Towns lead scoring efforts
- Game 1 loss impacts Knicks' playoff momentum
With a 17-point lead evaporating in the fourth quarter, the Knicks became the first team in the play-by-play era to lose a playoff game after leading by 14 points with just 2:45 remaining. Coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the need for determination moving forward, as the Knicks prepare for Game 2.
This collapse raises a crucial question: Can the Knicks regroup after such a devastating loss? Their inability to close out games has now become a glaring concern. Key developments include:
- Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch performance, scoring 31 points and 11 assists.
- Josh Hart’s acknowledgment of defensive lapses in the final moments.
- The Knicks’ record-breaking collapse, losing after leading by 14 points late in the game.
As the series progresses, all eyes will be on Game 2. Will the Knicks bounce back, or will the Pacers capitalize on their momentum? Fans eagerly await the next chapter in this thrilling playoff saga.
