The Indiana Pacers confronted what seemed like a crushing playoff defeat in Sport 1 of the Japanese Convention Finals.
Down 15 factors with beneath 5 minutes remaining, the writing appeared on the wall. The New York Knicks maintained a 14-point cushion with lower than three minutes left.
Then every part modified.
Indiana mounted some of the outstanding comebacks in playoff historical past, erasing the deficit and defeating New York in extra time.
The rally caught the eye of many, together with FOX Sports activities host Chris Broussard, who noticed one thing deeper within the Pacers’ efficiency.
“For the final three weeks or so, it has felt just like the Knicks are in a season of future. … In actuality, the group of future is perhaps the Pacers, as a result of they have been doing comparable issues, however not as many individuals have been paying consideration,” Broussard stated on “First Issues First.”
“For the final three weeks or so, it has felt just like the Knicks are in a season of future… In actuality, the group of future is perhaps the Pacers.”@Chris_Broussard breaks down Pacers vs. Knicks Sport 1: pic.twitter.com/v7LdJ8rBy8
— First Issues First (@FTFonFS1) Might 22, 2025
Broussard initially believed the Knicks have been driving one thing particular by means of their postseason journey.
The gritty battles and dramatic comebacks felt just like the makings of a storybook run. New York’s resilience had impressed him all through their playoff push.
However the Japanese Convention Finals have shifted his perspective.
The analyst, who picked Indiana to win the collection, described the end as in contrast to something he had witnessed.
Even Reggie Miller’s legendary playoff heroics paled compared to what unfolded. But Broussard additionally acknowledged that New York contributed to its personal downfall.
Missed free throws from dependable shooters haunted the Knicks down the stretch, and Jalen Brunson, sometimes regular in essential moments, made uncharacteristic errors when his group wanted him most.
Indiana capitalized on each alternative and executed its sport plan flawlessly within the ultimate minutes.
