1999 Knicks vs. Pacers Game 6: Allan Houston's game-winner

Lore & Background

The defining moment came in the final seconds of overtime when the Knicks trailed by one point. With the clock winding down and defenders converging, Allan Houston received a pass at the top of the key. In a display of pure composure, he launched a three-pointer that sailed through the net as time expired. The shot not only won the game but secured the series for New York, sending them to face the Miami Heat in the Conference Finals. It remains a testament to the high-stakes drama of 90s basketball.

In Their Own Story

Allan Houston stood at the top of the key, his chest heaving as the clock ticked down from five seconds. The Pacers' defense collapsed around him, arms raised like a wall, but he saw the sliver of space. He rose, extended his arm, and released the ball just as the buzzer sounded. For a heartbeat, silence hung in the arena before the net rippled and the crowd erupted into chaos.

Reader's Guide

The series was a grueling physical battle between two of the league's most resilient teams, with the Pacers holding a slight edge in regular-season success but the Knicks possessing superior playoff experience. The game itself was a defensive masterpiece that required overtime to decide. In the final seconds of extra time, New York trailed by a single point. Allan Houston caught the ball at the top of the three-point arc, drew his defender, and launched a contested shot as time expired. The ball swished through the net, giving the Knicks a 91-86 victory. This match remains etched in memory because it showcased the peak of '90s basketball intensity and featured one of the most clutch shots ever taken in the playoffs. It eliminated the Pacers and propelled the Knicks to their fourth straight Conference Finals appearance.

Did You Know?

• The shot was a three-pointer that won the game in overtime, not regulation time.
• This victory sent the Knicks to face the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.
• Allan Houston had been shooting poorly earlier in the series before this moment of brilliance.
• The 1998-99 season was shortened due to a labor lockout, adding unique pressure to every game.