Classic Nets vs Pacers 2002 Playoffs 1st round Game 5 (15/15)

This is the last great deciding game played in the Best of 5 format, which was used for the 1st round of the Playoffs in the NBA. There were many elements of a classic deciding game, the potential for an 8th seed upset only the 3rd time in history, multiple lead changes in the 2nd half, Richard Jefferson's failed 2 free throws in the last few seconds, leading to the highly controversial miracle 3pt at the buzzer by Reggie Miller, another miracle dunk at the end of the 1st OT by Miller, and a stellar performance by Jason Kidd in 52 minutes who played for the entire 2nd half and 2 OTs to finish off the Pacers.

This playoff series win marked the 1st in 18 years for the Nets, and sparked their eventual 2 NBA Finals run. The Pacers went on to become a powerhouse with the likes of Jermaine O'neal and Ron Artest, only to see its bright future quashed by the infamous Pistons/Pacers fight that saw Artest suspended for the season in 2005, effectively ending Reggie Miller's hopes for a last run at the championship before his retirement.

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