Since the 1997-98 NBA season, teams trailing by seven or more points in the final minute of the fourth quarter or overtime in playoff games have lost 1,640 times. Only three teams have pulled off a win in that dire scenario—and remarkably, two of those victories belong to the Indiana Pacers during the 2025 NBA Playoffs. In a postseason already filled with surprises and standout performances, what Indiana has accomplished is not just improbable—it’s historic.
This kind of comeback requires a rare blend of urgency, composure, defensive intensity, and timely shot-making. Most teams crumble under the weight of the clock and scoreboard in these situations, but the Pacers have thrived. Their resilience speaks volumes about their mentality and execution under pressure. These aren’t just random wins—they are defiant statements against mathematical probability and historical precedent.
The first miracle occurred in Game 2 of the first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks. Trailing by eight points with under a minute to play, the Pacers capitalized on sloppy ball-handling by the Bucks, nailed a pair of contested three-pointers, and forced overtime. In the extra period, Indiana’s confidence surged while Milwaukee struggled to regain momentum. The Pacers closed out a shocking comeback victory that left fans and analysts stunned.
Even more jaw-dropping was the second comeback—this time against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Down by seven with just 47 seconds remaining, Indiana went on an 8-0 run sparked by a deep three from Tyrese Haliburton, a steal leading to a fast break layup, and a cold-blooded three by Andrew Nembhard. Once again, they forced overtime and outplayed a shell-shocked Knicks team in the extra session.
These moments are more than just statistical anomalies—they reflect a growing identity within this Pacers squad. Head coach Rick Carlisle has instilled a belief system rooted in effort, adaptability, and execution. Tyrese Haliburton has emerged not only as an All-Star but as a floor general capable of managing chaos with poise. Players like Myles Turner, Nembhard, and Bennedict Mathurin have stepped up in crunch time, showing a mix of toughness and fearlessness that few teams can match.
The Pacers’ two improbable wins also reignite the age-old playoff narrative: no lead is ever truly safe. In an era dominated by advanced stats and win probability models, Indiana’s comebacks serve as a reminder that heart and hustle can still bend the numbers. While most teams panic or fade in those final moments, Indiana has found ways to stay locked in, capitalize on opponents’ mistakes, and execute their own game plan to perfection.
With these performances, the Pacers are etching their names into postseason lore. They’ve already done the nearly impossible—twice—and the playoffs aren’t over yet. As long as there’s time left on the clock, Indiana has shown they are never out of the fight. And now, every team left in the postseason knows it too.
