1 minute left in the game.
New York is up 9 on Indiana. The Knicks, coming off a big series win against the defending champion Boston Celtics, are just a few plays away from securing Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. This win could bring some much-needed momentum heading into Game 2 and relieve some pressure. Falling behind 0-1 to a team that had done the same in the last two playoff series felt like certain demise.

A minute isn’t much time. But if you were watching, what followed was unthinkable. For those who didn’t catch it, here’s what happened:

• Nesmith 3 – 115-121
  
• Towns layup – 115-123
  
• Nesmith 3 – 118-123
  
• Knicks turnover, Siakam steal
  
• Nesmith 3 – 121-123
  
• Indiana foul
  
• Towns 1 of 2 FT – 121-124
  
• New York foul
  
• Nesmith 2 of 2 FT – 123-124
  
• Indiana foul
  
• Anunoby 1 of 2 FT – 123-125
  
• Haliburton 3 – 126-125

Game.

All that in just one minute.

In NBA history, teams that led by 9+ points in the final minute of regulation or overtime were 1,414–0.
Let that sink in.
1,414 and 0.
Not a single loss—until the Pacers.

Though Haliburton’s game-winner was later changed to a two (his toe was on the line), Indiana kept the momentum and ultimately secured Game 1—just as they did in their previous two playoff series, two of those wins coming on the road.

Overrated and forgotten, right?

NBA fans have short-term memory, but it’s not entirely their fault. The league changes fast—year to year, month to month, even game to game. With news constantly flowing, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s real and lasting.

But here’s a reminder:
The 2024 Indiana Pacers were no fluke.

They led the league in scoring (123 PPG), featured the NBA assist leader, and had a roster full of explosive, gritty, and smart players. They went toe-to-toe with Milwaukee, beat New York, and made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. This isn’t a Cinderella run. It’s not a fluke. Indiana should never have been underrated.

Don’t let the sweep by Boston fool you.
Three of those four games were decided by 5 points or fewer. Haliburton was injured in Game 2 and missed the next two games with a hamstring strain, slowing their pace and offense. In his absence, Nembhard and Siakam stepped up to carry the load.

In 2025, the Pacers improved further—more wins, a higher seed, and moved their defensive rating from 27th to 17th in opponent points per game. Despite this, Haliburton was voted the most overrated player in the NBA, and the Pacers were largely forgotten in the contender conversation.

Now, after a Game 2 win powered by Siakam’s 39-point outburst, Indiana is just two wins away from the NBA Finals.

They remind me of the 2019 Raptors or 2023 Nuggets—teams that might not dominate the box score, but always seem to make the big plays when it matters. A game you think is safely in hand quickly becomes a heartbreaking loss if you’re playing Indiana.

Will the Pacers be considered favorites if they advance?
Probably not.
Can they beat Oklahoma City or Minnesota in the Finals?
Who’s to say.

But maybe, just maybe, Indiana has started to shift the narrative. Even if the respect isn’t universal, their play speaks volumes. They lack flashy names and lottery pick hype. Most of these players—Siakam, Haliburton, Nesmith, McConnell, Nembhard—were acquired through trades or free agency, often undervalued.

This is a team built from overlooked parts. But key in on just one of them, and someone else will burn you. Big performances can come from anywhere.

You need a full team to win it all.

Indiana has become my favorite story of this year’s playoffs. Whether or not they win a title, they’ve already proven something:
When you focus on the process, anything is possible.