Indiana Pacers advance to the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years after defeating the New York Knicks 125-108 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals
The Indiana Pacers are heading to the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years after a commanding 125-108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday night. Indiana dominated the second half, steadily increasing their lead as the Knicks struggled to find their rhythm and execute their trademark plays.
Tyrese Haliburton was the Pacers’ orchestrator once again, bouncing back from a tough Game 5 with a standout performance of 21 points and 13 assists. His precise floaters under the basket helped keep the Knicks at bay during their comeback attempts. Pascal Siakam provided steady contributions, while Andrew Nembhard shone defensively, racking up six steals against Knicks star Jalen Brunson.
The Knicks were plagued by turnovers, committing 17 that led to 34 points for the Pacers. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns struggled to find their rhythm. Despite receiving numerous free throw opportunities, the Knicks could not capitalize enough to challenge Indiana’s lead.
Western Conference Showdown Awaits
On the Western Conference side, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who swept the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1, will host Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The Pacers will face this top-seeded Thunder team starting Thursday night in what promises to be a thrilling matchup.
Key Takeaways from the Eastern Conference Finals Series
Pacers’ Dominance Throughout the Series
Indiana controlled the series tempo, forcing the Knicks to keep pace in a grueling series. Statistically, the Pacers would likely win over half of a hundred hypothetical rematches based on their consistent performance.
Knicks’ Missed Opportunities
The Knicks led Game 1 by 15 points but faltered late. Defensive lapses and missed free throws haunted their season and playoff run, contributing to their downfall in the series.
Knicks’ Lineup Instability
The Knicks frequently shuffled their starting lineup, especially after Game 2, disrupting their flow. The late-season blockbuster trade for Karl-Anthony Towns also meant the team spent the season adjusting to new personnel, which ultimately hindered their playoff performance.
Pacers’ Cohesive Team Play
Indiana played a well-rounded game all season, leveraging their depth and speed. Their well-defined playing style and full roster utilization were critical to their success against a Knicks team that never fully clicked.
Can the Pacers Challenge the Thunder?
While most experts favor the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Pacers have proven to be a formidable force. Despite a slow start to the season due to injuries and roster adjustments, Indiana has come into their own during the playoffs, losing only four games through three rounds.
The Thunder’s 68 regular-season wins make them favorites, but the Pacers have already upset a 64-win Cavaliers team and shown resilience beyond expectations. Their discipline in limiting turnovers and strong shooting from beyond the arc match well against the Thunder’s defensive tendencies.
Looking Ahead: NBA Finals Preview
The Pacers will enter Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana, dressed in black in tribute to last year’s Knicks matchup and determined to complete their mission.
With 51.5% shooting from three-point range and capitalizing on 17 Knicks turnovers, the Pacers displayed the kind of team basketball that has made them one of the NBA’s most improved defensive squads. Coach Rick Carlisle’s emphasis on aggressive, balanced play has paid dividends, especially in shutting down Knicks star Jalen Brunson.
This will be Indiana’s first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, a milestone that recalls the days of Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose under Larry Bird’s coaching. The finals tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on ABC.
A Team Ready for Greatness
The Indiana Pacers have proven this season that they are more than just a 50-win regular-season team — they are genuine contenders. As they prepare to face the Thunder, basketball fans everywhere will be watching to see if they can complete their remarkable playoff run and capture the championship.