On Wednesday night, the Indiana Pacers pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in NBA playoff history, edging out the New York Knicks 138-135 in overtime at Madison Square Garden. Tyrese Haliburton was the undeniable star of the night. Hali hit a clutch shot at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime, where the Pacers eventually sealed the win.
With Indiana trailing late in the fourth quarter, Haliburton nailed a shot that tied the game at 125-125. Haliburton thought it was a three-pointer. Hence, after the play, he celebrated with Reggie Miller’s legendary ‘choke’ gesture.
In the postgame press conference, Haliburton showed a sense of humor and humility when reflecting on the moment. The Pacers guard admitted he wouldn’t have celebrated the same way had he known the shot was a two-pointer, not a game-winning three.
“If I would’ve known it was a two, I would not have done it. I might have wasted it. If I do it again, people might say I’m aura farming. I don’t plan on using it again,” Haliburton said.
“If I would've known it was a two, I wouldn’t have done it… I might have wasted it. If I do it again people might say I'm aura-farming”
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) May 22, 2025
– Tyrese Haliburton on the choke gesture 😂
pic.twitter.com/Sl250XNOqE
Despite the celebration mishap, Haliburton’s shot was monumental. It capped off a jaw-dropping 17-point comeback by Indiana and snapped an NBA streak. Before Wednesday, teams leading by 9+ points with one minute remaining in a playoff game were 1434-0. The Pacers just made it 1434-1.
Magic Johnson Praises Tyrese Haliburton’s Heroics In Game 1
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NBA legend Magic Johnson was among the many basketball voices who weighed in on Haliburton’s dazzling performance. Johnson praised the Pacers star’s composure and skill under pressure in an X post.
“Tyrese Haliburton tied the game at the end of regulation and finished with 31 points to lead the Pacers to a 138-135 victory and 1-0 lead against the Knicks,” Johnson wrote.
Haliburton ended with 31 points, 11 assists, and four rebounds. He is now 4-for-4 on shots to tie or take the lead in the final 10 seconds of the postseason.
