Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Pacers' Game 1 win over Knicks was made so much better because of Jim Irsay's final tweet before heartbreaking death

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Sophie Weller | Last updated May 22, 2025 2:19 AM ET

On Wednesday, the state of Indiana and the entire NFL world mourned the heartbreaking death of Indianapolis Colts owner & CEO Jim Irsay.

The team released a statement saying that he "passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon," and tributes poured in. But it's also worth mentioning that his final tweet before his death showed how much he loved the state he called home since they moved the Colts to Indianapolis in 1984.

On the same day as his death, Irsay posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, wishing the Indiana Pacers luck in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks.

"Go PACERS. Good luck to Herb, the entire @Pacers organization, and our city!," he wrote.

Go PACERS. Good luck to Herb, the entire @Pacers organization, and our city! ❤️
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) May 21, 2025

And later that same day, the Pacers were able to get the win in a competitive matchup, with the game being decided in overtime.

FOR @JimIrsay

The Pacers do what the Pacers DO in the Garden
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 22, 2025

With just under three minutes remaining, the Knicks held a 14 point lead. However, Indiana battled back and thanks to a game-tying three by Tyrese Haliburton at the buzzer, the Pacers got the opportunity to win it. And right after hitting that three, he made a chocking motion, trolling New York.

"Everyone was wanting me to do it," Haliburton told TNT after the game. "I was going to hold it for the right, but it felt appropriate."

But, along with Haliburton, the victory wouldn't haven't been possible without the insane fourth quarterback performance from Aaron Nesmith, who had 20 points, including six three-pointers in eight minutes.

This incredible and hard-fought victory was the perfect way to honor Irsay.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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