Knicks Stunned by Pacers in OT Thriller: Haliburton Channels Reggie Miller’s Iconic Taunt
In a heart-stopping clash that reignited one of the NBA’s fiercest rivalries, the New York Knicks fell to the Indiana Pacers in a dramatic overtime battle on May 22, 2025. Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals ended with a score of 138-135, but it wasn’t just the buzzer-beater by Tyrese Haliburton that had fans buzzing—it was his bold 'choke' gesture, a direct homage to Reggie Miller’s infamous 1994 taunt. With emotions running high and social media ablaze, here’s why the Knicks are dominating headlines today.
A Rivalry Steeped in History
The Knicks-Pacers rivalry is nothing new. Since 1993, these two teams have clashed in nine playoff series, with four of those battles reaching the conference finals. The tension peaked in the 1990s when Reggie Miller, the Pacers’ Hall of Famer, became a Knicks villain, most notably with his 'choke' gesture aimed at filmmaker and Knicks superfan Spike Lee during the 1994 playoffs. Fast forward to last year, and the Pacers again got the upper hand, ousting the Knicks in a grueling 7-game semifinal series in 2024. This historical backdrop set the stage for an explosive Game 1.
Game 1 Heartbreak: A Collapse for the Ages
On May 22, 2025, Madison Square Garden bore witness to a game that will be etched in playoff lore. The Knicks held a commanding 14-point lead with just three minutes left in regulation, only to watch it slip away as the Pacers mounted a ferocious comeback. Tyrese Haliburton delivered the ultimate dagger—a buzzer-beating jumper to force overtime. The Pacers sealed the deal in OT, walking away with a 138-135 victory. For Knicks fans, it was a devastating collapse, as detailed in this Associated Press report.
Haliburton Revives Miller’s Taunt: A Moment of Rivalry Nostalgia
As if the on-court drama wasn’t enough, Tyrese Haliburton added fuel to the fire with a gesture that transported fans back to 1994. After his game-tying shot, Haliburton raced to the sideline and mimicked Reggie Miller’s iconic 'choke' signal to the crowd. The moment was pure theater, reigniting the raw emotions of this storied rivalry.
“Haliburton raced toward the sideline and made a choke signal to the crowd, like Pacers Hall of Famer Reggie Miller did to Spike Lee while leading a Pacers comeback in a playoff game in 1994,”
noted the Associated Press. Later, as reported by ESPN,
“Haliburton added his own chapter in the rivalry, wearing a hoodie after the game with Reggie Miller's iconic choke signal.”
This gesture wasn’t just a taunt—it was a statement, linking past and present in a single, unforgettable moment. For Knicks fans, it was a bitter pill to swallow, while Pacers supporters reveled in the audacity.
Relive the Drama: Game 1 Highlights
If you missed the action, these highlight reels capture the intensity of Game 1. From the early dominance by the Knicks to the Pacers’ stunning comeback, relive every heart-pounding moment.
What’s Next for the Knicks?
Can the Knicks recover from this gut-wrenching loss? Game 2 looms large, with pressure mounting to prove they can close out high-stakes games. The collapse has sparked heated debates among fans and analysts about the team’s mental toughness. With history and emotions weighing heavily, Friday’s matchup promises even more intensity.
Conclusion
✔️ The Knicks’ overtime loss to the Pacers in Game 1 was a brutal reminder of past rivalries and present vulnerabilities.
✔️ Haliburton’s taunt and the team’s collapse have left fans reeling, while setting the stage for a must-watch Game 2.
