The New York Knicks couldn’t hold their ground in the opening game of the Eastern Conference Finals. On Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden, they fell 135-138 in an overtime thriller to the Indiana Pacers. Despite another explosive showing from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks could not close out a win on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, midway through the contest, an unusual exchange between Jalen Brunson and Aaron Nesmith drew attention for all the wrong reasons. The two were caught on camera in synchronized flopping.
While trying to pass Nesmith, Brunson lifted Nesmith’s arm and theatrically snapped his head back as if struck in the face. Nesmith also reacted with equal exaggeration, violently throwing his own head back despite no clear contact.
Aaron Nesmith & Jalen Brunson just went flop for flop, with Brunson being called for a foul.
The play was challenged & referees still determined it was an offensive foul on Brunson.
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/zw0lDzspdJ
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) May 22, 2025
Unlike most flops that result in a no-call or offsetting penalties, this one ended with the officials tagging Brunson with an offensive foul. The Knicks challenged the call, hoping the replay would turn things around.
But even after the review, the referees stood by their decision, ruling it a foul on Brunson. The awkward moment stalled the Knicks’ momentum and added to the game’s frustration.
Jalen Brunson And Aaron Nesmith’s Stats In Game 1
Jalen Brunson poured in 43 points on Wednesday, 15-of-25 shooting from the field. He also dished out five assists and grabbed one rebound in 38 minutes of play. However, overtime proved less fruitful. Brunson was limited to just six points in the extra period, all coming from the free-throw line. He failed to convert a field goal attempt and committed two costly turnovers.
Meanwhile, Nesmith erupted for 30 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including a blistering 8-of-9 from beyond the arc. His most jaw-dropping stretch came in the fourth quarter, where he scored 20 of his 30 points and drilled six three-pointers.
Nesmith’s six triples in the fourth quarter set an NBA playoff record, making him the first player in league history to hit that many threes in the final quarter. Only six other players have made six threes in a single quarter during the postseason, but none had accomplished the feat exclusively in the fourth.
Also Read: New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers: Date, Time, Venue, Ticket Prices, And Other Details (ECF Game 3)