Unpacking the Knicks’ Most Stunning Collapse: What Went Wrong and What It Means for the Future

NEW YORK — Picture this: a stunning loss that no one saw coming, one that shocked even the most seasoned fans. New York Knicks supporters have experienced highs and lows, but this one was different.

As fans filtered out of Madison Square Garden, you could almost feel the defeat in the air. It was eerily quiet, the only sound being the soft squeaking of shoes on wet floors. Faces showed disbelief, a mix of surprise and disappointment.

“Why’s it so quiet?” asked Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, walking past the stunned crowd.

In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, the Knicks had a 14-point lead with just under three minutes left. Fans were excited. Some were already heading home. Jalen Brunson had just nailed a three-pointer, and it felt like victory was within reach.

But then, chaos ensued. In just 58 seconds, the situation flipped. Brunson scored again, putting the Knicks up by nine. The cheers echoed, but something shifted. The Pacers responded with an onslaught of three-pointers, particularly from Aaron Nesmith, who made six threes in the fourth quarter, including three in the last minute.

With the Knicks barely hanging on, Haliburton surged up the court. He seemed poised to settle for overtime but then took a chance, launching a desperate shot. The basketball danced on the rim before falling through the net, forcing overtime.

In those extra minutes, the Pacers managed to secure a 138-135 victory. This loss marked a historic moment for the Knicks. According to Elias Sports, it was the first time since 1998 that a team trailing by nine or more points in the final minute had won a playoff game. Before this, the record stood at 0-1,414.

“We didn’t execute in the last two minutes, and that cost us,” said Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns. “We did well for most of the game; it’s just about finishing strong.”

The Knicks had tightened their grip on victory earlier, but in the closing moments, they faltered. Poor defensive coverage allowed the Pacers to take advantage. New York had performed well defensively for 46 minutes. Yet, when it mattered most, they lost focus.

In overtime, the Knicks struggled, tallying 15 turnovers. Three turnovers occurred in the last moments when every possession was vital. It was a stark contrast to their earlier composure throughout the game. It felt like a case of arrogance, reminiscent of Boston’s mistakes in previous rounds.

Despite the loss, there were bright spots. Brunson scored an impressive 43 points, and Towns added 35. For the duration of the game, they outperformed the Pacers until the very end, an indication of their potential.

Interestingly, Haliburton’s shot that sent the game to overtime paid homage to Pacers legend Reggie Miller, who famously tormented Knicks fans during the 1995 playoffs.

As history shows, the Knicks have the spirit to bounce back. They’ve done it before, and only time will tell if this loss becomes a lesson or a turning point for the team.

“Sure, the feeling isn’t great, but there’s a lot of basketball left,” Brunson noted. “We can’t dwell; we need to get better.”



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New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, NBA, Opinion