Knicks Stumble in 0-2 Hole as Pacers’ Haliburton and Siakam Dominate Playoffs

The New York Knicks are reeling after a stunning collapse in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, followed by another home loss, leaving them in a daunting 0-2 hole against the Indiana Pacers. The Knicks squandered a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter of Game 1, a meltdown capped by Tyrese Haliburton's clutch long-range shot that forced overtime. Channeling Pacers legend Reggie Miller, who was courtside calling the game, Haliburton taunted the Knicks with Miller’s iconic choking gesture, a jab that echoed through Madison Square Garden.

Adding salt to the wound, Haliburton’s girlfriend, Jade Jones, took to Instagram with a sly dig: "finally got to see the ball drop in NYC," paired with a smirking emoji. The quip, a nod to New York’s famous New Year’s Eve tradition, stung a fanbase already smarting from the loss.

Game 2 saw the Knicks fight back, but Pascal Siakam stole the show, dropping 39 points to secure a 2-0 series lead for Indiana. Despite a late rally sparked by Jalen Brunson’s 36 points and 11 assists, the Knicks couldn’t close the gap, falling 110-109 after a frantic finish. The Pacers’ resilience is historic—three of their wins this season have come when trailing by seven or more points in the final minute, a feat nearly unheard of in playoff history.

With Game 3 looming in Indiana, the Knicks face a steep climb. No team has ever recovered from losing the first two conference final games at home. New York’s dreams of their first conference finals appearance in 25 years hang by a thread.