The Indiana Pacers pulled off a dramatic 138-135 overtime victory against the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, but the biggest talking point wasn’t just the comeback—it was Tyrese Haliburton’s choke gesture.
With the Pacers trailing by two in the final seconds of regulation, Haliburton launched a deep jumper that bounced high off the rim before dropping in as the buzzer sounded. Believing he had won the game, Haliburton turned to the Madison Square Garden crowd and mimicked the infamous “choke” gesture—a move made famous by Pacers legend Reggie Miller during his battles with the Knicks in the 1990s.
TYRESE HALIBURTON BUZZER BEATER FORCES OT 🤯🤯🤯
AND HE DID THE CHOKE SIGN TO THE KNICKS!!! pic.twitter.com/0jufr6naNl
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 22, 2025
However, Haliburton’s celebration was premature. His foot was on the line, meaning the shot was ruled a two-pointer instead of a three, sending the game to overtime instead of sealing the win.
The gesture immediately reignited the historic Knicks-Pacers rivalry, with fans and analysts debating whether Haliburton’s move was justified or reckless. Some praised him for embracing the moment, while others pointed out that Miller’s original choke gesture came after a completed comeback, not a game-tying shot.
tyrese haliburton doing the reggie miller choke at MSG and then pointing to him in the crowd is why sports are awesome pic.twitter.com/2VLcviVRU0
— Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) May 22, 2025
Even Haliburton himself admitted after the game that he wouldn’t have done it had he known the shot was only a two-pointer.
“If I would’ve known it was a two, I would not have done it. I might have wasted it,” he said. “If I do it again, people might say I’m aura-farming. I don’t plan on using it again.”
“If I do it again, people might say I’m aura farming.” 😂
Tyrese Haliburton on his choke celebration after hitting another WILD buzzer-beater. pic.twitter.com/ycaPmqnM8U
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 22, 2025
Despite the brief uncertainty, Indiana capitalized on their momentum in overtime. Aaron Nesmith erupted for a clutch three-point barrage, and Haliburton finished with 31 points, leading the Pacers to a stunning Game 1 victory.
As the series continues, Haliburton’s gesture will undoubtedly remain a talking point. Will it fuel the Knicks’ motivation for revenge, or will the Pacers ride the energy of their star guard’s confidence? Either way, the Eastern Conference Finals just got a whole lot more intense.
