There was a lot that happened during the Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers. Other than his iconic celebration, it was Tyrese Haliburton’s dribble that has got fans reeling over it.
In the nail-biting game, Haliburton took center stage for the Pacers as he led his team to a thrilling 138-135 overtime victory over the New York Knicks.
However, amid the excitement, some fans couldn’t help but wonder: Did Haliburton commit a double-dribble violation right before he nailed that game-tying shot?
With the Pacers down 125-123 and the clock ticking down, Haliburton made a move to create his shot. He shook off Mikal Bridges before launching a deep 3-pointer. Although the crowd erupted as the ball swished through the net, it wasn’t without its controversy.
Looking at alternate angles of that pivotal moment, things get a bit murky. As Haliburton dribbled, Bridges reached in, getting a finger on the ball, causing Haliburton to lose control for just a split second.
New York Knicks fans are saying that Tyrese Haliburton double dribbled on the play that sent the game into overtime 👀
— Mark Jackson’s Burner (@casualtakeking) May 22, 2025
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Critics wanted to argue that this was a double-dribble since he seemingly regained possession after the poke. But when you dive into the slowed-down footage, it becomes clear that Haliburton’s actions were clean.
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He gathered himself and took the shot, which, although it didn’t count as a game-winner due to his foot being on the line.
Tyrese Haliburton Is Not Looking To Repeat History
The Indiana Pacers handed the New York Knicks a shocking defeat in Game 1 of their playoff series held at Madison Square Garden. For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith led an impressive comeback from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
This game reminded everybody of the legendary 1994 playoff matchup. In that game, Reggie Miller famously scored eight points in just nine seconds to secure a victory for the Pacers.
However, Haliburton aims to carve out his own legacy rather than replicate Miller’s iconic moment.
Haliburton acknowledged Miller’s historical significance but emphasized that his game-winning shot was a collective achievement for the Pacers. Not to mention that he did the iconic Reggie Miller choke celebration after tying the game.
“I would not like to repeat that, but I think that was a historic moment. That was more him vs. Spike, one-one-one. (Mine) felt like it was for everybody but (Miller), too. I wanted him to see it more than anything,” Tyrese said.
Reggie Miller tried to quickly hide him pointing at Tyrese Haliburton from the cameras after Haliburton produced an even bigger, dramatic comeback in a Playoff Game 1 vs the Knicks than Reggie did 30 years ago in the Garden.
— Andrew Jerell Jones, Luke 1:37 (BlueSky too now) (@sluggahjells) May 22, 2025
😂🤦🏾♂️
🎥 @TWDTV1 pic.twitter.com/x1Dd75KVig
He remains focused on making his own mark while respecting the legends of the past. Following this difficult loss, the Knicks are set to regroup for Game 2 at Madison Square Garden, eager to tie the series.
Also Read: Tyrese Haliburton Fan Gets Assaulted By A Large Mob Of Knicks Fans In New York City
