Reggie Miller was providing commentary for TNT from the sidelines, but it was Aaron Nesmith who truly shined on the court.
Nesmith reentered the game and managed to close the gap against the Knicks, scoring 13 points with just five minutes left. He went on to hit six three-pointers and add two free throws, tallying 20 points in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, ultimately losing 138-135 to the Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Remarkably, he didn’t miss during this crucial period.
Notably, though, he ended the fourth quarter with only 10 points.
The situation echoed Miller’s memorable performance, where he scored eight points in mere seconds during the 1995 Eastern Conference semifinals.
Tailese Halliburton played a pivotal role by sinking key two-pointers that extended the game into overtime.
The Knicks’ much-criticized free throw shooting certainly didn’t help their cause. Karl Anthony-Towns and OG Anunoby both struggled, going 1-2 from the line after being fouled in the closing seconds.
In those last 3:14 minutes of the fourth quarter, the Pacers erupted for 23 points—an impressive feat in playoff history.
Although the Pacers took care of business in overtime, it was surprising that Nesmith missed the lone shot he attempted during that stretch.
