Indiana's 'Second Reggie Miller' Halliburton's X Factor With A Dramatic Come-from-behind Win?
Indiana's 'Second Reggie Miller' Halliburton's X Factor With A Dramatic Come-from-behind Win?
Blog Article
"Nissmith changed the course of the game"
The Indiana Pacers won 138-135 against the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the 2024-2025 NBA Playoff Eastern Conference Final at Madison Square Garden in New York on the 22nd (Korea Standard Time).
Indiana got off to a bad start. Tyreece Halliburton (196 cm, G) worked hard, but failed to control Jaylon Brunson (185 cm, G) and Carl & Sunny Towns (211 cm, C), both of their one-two punches. Thus, the team finished the first half 62-69.
Up until the third quarter, it was a close game. But early in the fourth quarter, Indiana lost control of Towns. Towns lost points in a row, quickly reaching double digits. Then, 59 seconds before the game ended, Brunson lost a point to make it 112-121.
No other team in NBA history has overturned a nine-point deficit a minute earlier in the playoffs. There have been 1,414 games so far, but all have not been overturned.
Indiana was different, however. Aaron Neesmith (198 cm, GF) appeared at a critical moment. He successively made 3-pointers. Then, he scored 20 points including six 3-pointers in the fourth quarter alone. Surprised, New York lost his free throws. Seven seconds before the end of the game, the score was 123-125. 메이저놀이터
Indiana's ace stepped up at the critical moment. Halliburton dribbled and was blocked by the opponent's defense, but went to the 3-point line and attempted a step-back shot. He succeeded in shooting, but his toes stepped on the 3-point line and the score was two points. So the two teams went to extra time, and Indiana, which gained momentum, won the game in extra time.
Haliburton was the one who received the spotlight for prolonging the game. However, if it hadn't been for Neesmith's explosive power before his performance, Haliburton might not have been able to see Haliburton's highlights. For this reason, Haliburton said in an interview after the game, "Neesmith was amazing. He is a player who plays his role without hesitation. He also scored many shots today. His shots changed the course of the game. He changed the flow of the game."
Neesmith faced off against the opposing ace Brunson not only in attack but also in defense. Halliburton said, "The reason Neesmith is special is defense. He stopped Brunson for more than 30 minutes today. It doesn't make sense. His performance today should get more attention. I am truly proud and grateful of him," he added.
Nismith played Brunson and drove in 30 points. He broke his career-high playoff score. He also defended himself. As a result, he became a leading player in the game.