Comebacks in basketball often blur the line between one team’s brilliance and another’s collapse. But when a team develops a habit of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, the narrative shifts. It becomes more than chance—it becomes identity.
This year, the Indiana Pacers have carved out a reputation as the “cardiac crew” of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. With dramatic wins over the Bucks, Cavaliers, and Knicks, the Pacers have made late-game rallies their trademark. But these heroics aren’t new—they echo moments stretching back decades.
Here’s a look at seven of the most memorable Pacers playoff comebacks in franchise history:
1995 East Semifinals vs. Knicks (Game 1) – “Eight Points, Nine Seconds”
The comeback: Down 105-99 with 18.7 seconds left at Madison Square Garden, Reggie Miller authored one of the most iconic playoff moments in NBA history. He drilled a 3-pointer, stole the inbounds, and hit another triple to tie it. After missed Knicks free throws, Miller sank two more to cap his legendary 8 points in 9 seconds.
1998 East Finals vs. Bulls (Game 4) – Miller vs. Jordan
Down 94-93 with four seconds left, Miller pushed off Michael Jordan, caught the inbounds, and buried a 3-pointer to give the Pacers a stunning win and even the series. Chicago would still advance in seven, but Indiana’s fight nearly spoiled the Bulls’ Last Dance.
2000 First Round vs. Bucks (Game 5) – Best at the Buzzer
Tied 89-89 late in the deciding Game 5, the Pacers wrestled control with sheer grit. After multiple missed shots and rebounds, Travis Best hit a clutch 3-pointer with 16 seconds left. Milwaukee’s final attempts fell short, sending Indiana to the next round.
2000 East Finals vs. Knicks (Game 6) – Closing the Curtain
The Pacers trailed 65-62 entering the fourth but stormed back behind Miller’s 17 fourth-quarter points. They closed out New York and earned their first trip to the NBA Finals, ending Patrick Ewing’s Knicks tenure in the process.
2025 First Round vs. Bucks (Game 5) – Haliburton’s Heroics
Down 118-111 in overtime with under 40 seconds left, Andrew Nembhard sparked the rally with a 3-pointer and a steal. That led to a Tyrese Haliburton and-1 and eventually his game-winning layup over Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Pacers took the series in five.
2025 East Semis vs. Cavaliers (Game 2) – Haliburton from the Logo
After trailing most of the game, Indiana was down 119-112 with under a minute left. Key plays from Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam set the stage. Haliburton missed a free throw, grabbed the rebound, then danced back to the logo for a cold-blooded 3-pointer with 1 second left—sealing a 120-119 win and crushing the top-seeded Cavs.
2025 East Finals vs. Knicks (Game 1) – 14 Points in 3 Minutes
Perhaps their wildest yet. The Pacers trailed 116-102 with 3:25 left. Nesmith hit six 3s down the stretch, and Haliburton’s last-second jumper bounced high before dropping to force OT. In the extra period, Obi Toppin dunked twice against his former team, and Indiana stole Game 1, 138-135.
Conclusion:
From Reggie Miller’s MSG heroics to Tyrese Haliburton’s modern magic, the Indiana Pacers have mastered the art of the improbable playoff comeback. Whether it’s been two decades or two minutes, one thing is certain: never count them out.
And with the 2025 postseason still unfolding, there could be more cardiac comebacks on the way.
