Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals had everything: grit, intensity, clutch defense, overtime drama — and one absolutely unreal shot from Tyrese Haliburton. As the final seconds of regulation ticked away, the Indiana Pacers found themselves staring down defeat. But then, Haliburton rose, launched, and hit that shot — the cold-blooded, game-tying three-pointer that sent the game into OT and ultimately led to a Pacers victory.
As Gainbridge Fieldhouse erupted and fans everywhere lost their minds, no one had a better seat — or reaction — than Aaron Nesmith.
The Pacers forward, who’s quietly become one of the team’s most important two-way players, shared his point of view on the play after the game. And his response summed up what everyone was thinking: “Man… Tyrese is HIM.”
The Shot Heard Around Indiana
Let’s set the scene.
Indiana trailed by three with under 20 seconds to play. The offense had struggled to find rhythm in the final minutes, and their Eastern Conference Finals opponent — a tough, defensive-minded squad — was swarming. With the game on the line, the ball found its way to Haliburton, who calmly dribbled upcourt, used a screen, and pulled up from way beyond the arc.
Splash.
Tie game.
Pandemonium.
“I had the best view in the house,” said Nesmith, grinning in disbelief. “I was in the corner spacing out, just watching him line it up. As soon as he let it go, I knew it was good. It had that perfect rotation. I didn’t even crash — I just turned around and started yelling. You can’t script that.”
It was a moment that will live in Pacers history. Not only did it keep Indiana alive, it shifted the entire energy of the game. Overtime became their playground, and they outscored their opponent 13-9 in the extra frame to steal Game 1, 122-118.
Tyrese Time
What made the shot so special wasn’t just its difficulty — it was when and how it happened.
The pressure. The stakes. The defender closing in. Most players might hesitate or second-guess in a moment like that. Not Haliburton.
“That’s who he is,” Nesmith said. “He’s not scared of the moment. Never has been. He puts in the work, he sees the floor better than anyone, and he has the confidence to take — and make — those shots.”
Haliburton finished the night with 31 points, 11 assists, and a growing list of highlight-reel plays. But it was that shot that defined Game 1 — and may very well define this series.
Brotherhood in Action
Off the court, Haliburton and Nesmith have developed a strong bond over the past two seasons. Both are young, hungry, and committed to the team-first culture that head coach Rick Carlisle has built in Indiana. That chemistry is starting to show in the most crucial moments.
“We feed off each other,” Nesmith explained. “I know when Tyrese is locked in, the whole team feeds off that energy. He doesn’t yell, he doesn’t chest-thump. But when he hits a shot like that? You feel it.”
Nesmith’s admiration was evident, but so was his belief — belief that this isn’t a fluke, and this isn’t just a lucky shot. This is what elite players do.
“People are gonna remember that three,” he added. “But I’ve seen him make that same shot in practice a hundred times. That’s what people don’t see. He’s a killer in the gym.”
Nesmith’s Role in the Win
While Haliburton grabbed the headlines, Nesmith played a crucial role in the Game 1 victory. He finished with 13 points, 6 rebounds, and two key defensive stops in overtime. His ability to guard multiple positions, contest shots, and knock down corner threes has made him a glue guy in this playoff run.
But Nesmith was quick to deflect any praise and shift the spotlight back to Haliburton.
“This is his show,” he said. “I’m just proud to be part of it. I’ll guard the best guy, run the floor, whatever we need. But watching him cook like that? That’s special.”
One Game, Big Momentum
The Pacers now hold a 1-0 lead in the East Finals — a sentence that would’ve shocked most NBA fans a few months ago. They’re young, energetic, and clearly unfazed by the moment. The Game 1 comeback wasn’t just about talent — it was about belief.
“I think we’ve shown we’re not here by accident,” Nesmith said. “We’re tough. We trust each other. And we’ve got one of the best point guards in the league leading us.”
That confidence is growing with every game. And if Haliburton keeps delivering in the clutch, Indiana might just make a serious run at the Finals.
What’s Next?
Game 2 looms large. Their opponent will surely come out with adjustments and urgency, but the Pacers have something that can’t be diagrammed on a whiteboard: chemistry, momentum, and a point guard who’s playing with MVP-level poise.
As for Nesmith? He’s ready to run it back — hopefully with fewer cardiac moments.
“I mean, I’d love to win by 15,” he laughed. “But if Tyrese wants to keep hitting shots like that? I’ll take it every time.”
The message from the Pacers locker room is loud and clear: This team is for real. And after that unreal Haliburton shot, the basketball world is officially on notice.
