When the 2025 NBA Playoffs tipped off, not many expected the Indiana Pacers to be one of the league’s most relentless road warriors. But the Blue and Gold had other plans. Led by heart, hustle, and the unstoppable energy of a young core, the Pacers stunned fans and opponents alike with three Game 1 road victories — a feat that turned heads and made a statement: These Pacers don’t quit.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive the best highlights from each of those game-changing wins. Because when you win on the road in the playoffs, you’re not just taking a game — you’re stealing momentum.
1. Game 1 vs. Milwaukee Bucks — “Welcome to the show”
Nobody gave Indiana much of a shot when they walked into Fiserv Forum to open the series against the heavily favored Milwaukee Bucks. With MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo and All-Star Damian Lillard leading the charge, this was supposed to be a quick series for Milwaukee.
But the Pacers came to play.
Tyrese Haliburton set the tone early, slicing through the Bucks’ defense with pinpoint passes and quick-trigger threes. The highlight of the night? A nasty step-back three over Lillard late in the fourth quarter that put the Pacers up for good. Haliburton turned to the crowd, pointed to his wrist, and let everyone know what time it was — his time.
And don’t forget Myles Turner’s game-sealing block on Giannis at the rim with under a minute left. Turner’s rim protection was elite all night, but that rejection sent a message: Indiana wasn’t going to be bullied in the paint.
Final Score: Pacers 113, Bucks 107
Highlight Moment: Haliburton’s step-back triple and Turner’s monster block
2. Game 1 vs. New York Knicks — “No fear in the Garden”
After shocking Milwaukee, the Pacers rolled into Madison Square Garden for Game 1 of the Eastern Semis. The Knicks had been dominant at home all season, and with the New York crowd in full throat, the environment was hostile.
But Indiana thrived on it.
From the opening tip, Andrew Nembhard played with ice in his veins. He scored 19 points on efficient shooting, but it was his poise under pressure that stood out. In the fourth quarter, with the Knicks rallying, Nembhard calmly dribbled through a trap and found Obi Toppin for a massive alley-oop dunk that silenced the Garden.
And let’s not forget Bennedict Mathurin. The second-year guard was fearless, attacking the rim and finishing through contact. His and-one dunk over Julius Randle might’ve been the most explosive highlight of the series.
Final Score: Pacers 106, Knicks 101
Highlight Moment: Nembhard’s clutch assist and Mathurin’s poster dunk
3. Game 1 vs. Boston Celtics — “Stunning the East’s top seed”
No one expected Indiana to win another Game 1 on the road, especially not against the Boston Celtics — the top seed in the East and arguably the most complete team in the NBA. But the Pacers weren’t intimidated.
Tyrese Haliburton once again orchestrated the offense with surgical precision. He finished with 28 points and 11 assists, hitting big shot after big shot in crunch time. But it was the defense that truly set Indiana apart.
The Celtics, known for their offensive versatility, were held under 100 points at home — a rare feat. The highlight? A wild defensive sequence in the final minute: Haliburton deflected a Jayson Tatum pass, dove for the loose ball, and fired it ahead to Buddy Hield, who nailed a corner three in transition to put the game away.
The Pacers’ bench erupted. Boston’s crowd was stunned. And once again, Indiana had stolen Game 1 on the road.
Final Score: Pacers 99, Celtics 95
Highlight Moment: Haliburton-to-Hield transition dagger three
A Pattern of Grit, Heart, and Execution
What makes these Game 1 road wins so special isn’t just the scoreboard — it’s the mentality. Each time, Indiana faced long odds, hostile crowds, and elite opponents. And each time, they responded with poise, precision, and passion.
Head coach Rick Carlisle deserves immense credit for instilling a culture of resilience in this team. Whether it was tweaking defensive matchups, trusting his young players in big moments, or designing late-game sets that got the right shots for the right players, Carlisle’s veteran leadership has been invaluable.
Let’s also not overlook the Pacers’ depth. Role players like Aaron Nesmith, Isaiah Jackson, and Jalen Smith all had moments in these Game 1s — grabbing crucial rebounds, playing physical defense, and hitting open shots when it mattered most.
Why These Highlights Matter
In the playoffs, Game 1 is about sending a message. Stealing home-court advantage is one thing — but doing it three times, against three elite teams, shows this Pacers team has championship DNA.
Every highlight from these games — the Haliburton dimes, the clutch threes, the momentum-shifting blocks — is a reminder that Indiana isn’t a fluke. They’re here to compete. And more importantly, they’re here to win.
So if you haven’t already, hit replay. Watch those highlights. Soak in every bucket, every steal, every scream from the bench. Because these @Pacers?
They don’t quit.
