The Pacers narrowly win by 3 points, how can they counterattack? The biggest hero is revealed: tied with two points, lead the team to reverse

In the G1 field of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on May 22, 2025, the New York Knicks played against the Indiana Pacers at home, and a tense and exciting game made the fans excited. In the end, the Pacers narrowly defeated the Knicks in overtime 138-135, setting a good start for their Eastern Conference Finals journey. Behind this victory is the joint efforts of the team, and the perfect combination of key players and coaching tactics. At the beginning of the game, the Knicks' performance was remarkable. With the cheers of home fans, they made a smooth attack and once held a 17-point lead in the final quarter. The victory balance seemed to be inclined towards them. However, the Pacers did not give up, but instead showed strong resilience and fighting spirit in adversity. The team basketball shown by the Pacers is an example. In the whole game, six of their team scored in double digits, and the bench was not to be outdone and contributed 31 points. This comprehensive scoring method makes the Knicks' defense lose sight of one thing and it is difficult to concentrate their efforts to limit a certain player. The tacit cooperation among team members, constantly passing the ball to find the best offensive opportunity, has enabled the Pacers to remain threatening on the offensive end.

Halliburton is undoubtedly the biggest contributor to the Pacers' victory. He scored 31 points and 11 assists in the game, with impressive data. At the last moment of regular time, the team was 2 points behind. He stood up and scored two points, giving the team hope for a reversal. In overtime, he contributed key points, leading the team to seize the score and eventually overtake with sharp breakthroughs and accurate passes. His calm and steady mentality and excellent personal ability have become the Pacers' stabilizing needle at critical moments.

Nesmith also made an indelible contribution. In the critical period of the final quarter and overtime, he made three-pointers in a row, completely igniting the Pacers' enthusiasm for counterattack. When the team was in trouble, he kept narrowing the gap with a magical three-pointer, becoming a key force in the reversal. His outstanding performance disrupted the Knicks' defensive rhythm and put the Knicks' players in defensive confusion. The Pacers' victory is also inseparable from coach Carlisle's tactical guidance. At critical moments, his tactical arrangement and personnel adjustment were very exquisite. In the final quarter and overtime, he strengthened his defensive strength, successfully forcing the Knicks to make multiple mistakes and quickly seized the opportunity to strike a quick counterattack. In overtime, the team's defensive strategy and offensive choices are more reasonable, and the players are in place, effectively limiting the Knicks' scoring and creating good offensive opportunities for themselves. The victory of this game is of great significance to the Pacers. It not only demonstrates the team's strength and resilience, but also allows them to seize the lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. In subsequent games, as long as the Pacers continue to maintain teamwork and play the role of key players, and the coach's reasonable tactical arrangements, it is entirely possible to create more surprises in this round of series. The Knicks need to reflect deeply, adjust their tactics and mentality, and look forward to a strong rebound in subsequent games.