Pacers Punch Finals Ticket Knicks' Dream Season Ends in Indy Nightmare!

Pacers Surge to NBA Finals After Thrilling Game 6 Victory Over Knicks

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers, often overlooked despite their Eastern Conference Finals appearance last year, have emphatically reminded the basketball world of their presence. In a captivating Game 6 showdown, the Pacers triumphed over the New York Knicks with a final score of 125-108, securing their place in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.

The Pacers are now set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, the top-seeded team in the league, spearheaded by MVP contender Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Game 1 is scheduled for Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Eastern in Oklahoma City. While the Thunder boast a championship title from their Seattle SuperSonics era in 1979, the Pacers are still in pursuit of their first NBA crown.

“I can’t put into words how special this is,” expressed Tyrese Haliburton, the charismatic face of the Pacers. “We got to the same spot last year, fell short, and we just worked our tails off to get back here.”

Pascal Siakam, rightfully crowned the MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals, led the charge with an impressive 31 points and five rebounds. Haliburton delivered a stellar double-double performance, scoring 21 points and dishing out 13 assists, with 11 of those points coming in the crucial fourth quarter.

Here's a breakdown of key performances:

• Pascal Siakam: Averaged 24.8 points and shot over 50% from the field and 3-point range.
• Tyrese Haliburton: Averaged 21 points and 10.5 assists throughout the series.
• Andrew Nembhard: Contributed 14 points, 8 assists, and 6 steals, showcasing defensive prowess.

“Enjoy tonight and after that look forward,” said Siakam, who previously won a championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. “We have a team out there waiting for us that’s serious. They’re the best team in the NBA.”

The Knicks were spearheaded by OG Anunoby's 24 points. Jalen Brunson, despite contributing 19 points, struggled with an 8-of-18 shooting performance, heavily guarded by Nembhard. Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points and 14 rebounds while playing through a knee injury.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged the disappointment, stating, “There’s disappointment because you fall short of what your goal is – only one team achieves the goal.”

This victory marks the Pacers' first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. Their journey included a first-round series win against the Bucks (who were missing Damian Lillard), followed by an impressive takedown of a Cavaliers team that had been a top contender all season.

The Pacers’ recipe for success? Relentless pressure and remarkable depth that wore down opponents.

“This was as intense of a series as you’re ever going to have in six games,” remarked Indiana coach Rick Carlisle.

Game 6 also featured a surprise performance from Thomas Bryant, who contributed 11 points off the bench, including three crucial 3-pointers. Obi Toppin added 18 points, further highlighting Indiana's depth.

One defining moment occurred late in the third quarter when Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard combined to disrupt the Knicks' offense, forcing a turnover and showcasing the Pacers’ tenacious defense.

The Knicks' turnover troubles proved costly, with 18 turnovers translating into 34 points for the Pacers.

Ultimately, the Pacers' superior ball movement, relentless pressure, and Haliburton’s brilliance proved too much for the Knicks to handle.

The Pacers' journey from a 10-15 record to the NBA Finals is a testament to their resilience and unwavering determination. Their ability to avoid consecutive losses for the past six months speaks volumes about their consistency. Can they maintain this momentum for another two weeks? The basketball world is eager to find out.

This Pacers team, led by the unique playmaker Tyrese Haliburton, has captured the hearts of fans and proven that they belong on the biggest stage. Get ready for an exciting NBA Finals matchup!

Tags: Indiana Pacers, NBA Finals, Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Knicks, Thunder, NBA Playoffs, Eastern Conference, Basketball, Game 6

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6395087/2025/05/31/pacers-knicks-game-6-nba-playoffs-elimination/