Pacers Secure NBA Finals Berth with 125-108 Victory Over Knicks

With a commanding performance, the Indiana Pacers triumphed over the New York Knicks 125-108, clinching a spot in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton were pivotal, with Siakam scoring 31 points and Haliburton contributing 21 points, including 11 in the decisive fourth quarter.

This victory marked only the second time in franchise history that the Pacers will compete for the championship. The series win, concluding at 4-2, sets the stage for their Finals matchup beginning Thursday in Oklahoma City.

“Pascal and Tyrese put us on their backs and made sure we would not lose,” said coach Rick Carlisle, addressing a jubilant crowd that celebrated throughout the game. “But our work has just begun.” Siakam's efforts earned him the Larry Bird Trophy as the Eastern Conference finals MVP, a nod to the legendary player who previously led the Pacers to the Finals.

Haliburton also showcased his playmaking skills with 13 assists, while Obi Toppin added 18 points and six rebounds against his former team. For the Knicks, OG Anunoby led with 24 points, supported by Karl-Anthony Towns’ 22 points and 14 rebounds, and Jalen Brunson’s 19 points. However, New York struggled with ball control, committing 17 turnovers under Indiana's relentless pressure.

“There were stretches where we played very good defense and stretches where we didn’t,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau remarked. “I think once you dig into it and look at it, was it our defense? Or was it our turnovers? It was probably a combination of both.”

The atmosphere at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was electric, from the pregame festivities to the emotional farewell for the starters as they exited with just under a minute left. Reggie Miller presented the Bob Cousy Trophy to Pacers owner Herb Simon during TNT's final NBA broadcast, adding to the night’s significance.

Despite their success, the game was marked by physicality. Towns was seen limping after a foul, while Haliburton took a hard hit that left him momentarily shaken. The intensity was palpable as both teams fought for every possession.

Indiana seized control early in the second half with a 9-0 run, pushing their lead to 78-63 thanks to three consecutive three-pointers from Thomas Bryant and Andrew Nembhard. The crowd erupted, featuring notable attendees like Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson and WNBA star Caitlin Clark.

When the Knicks responded with an eight-point streak to narrow the gap to 78-71, the Pacers quickly countered with another 9-0 run, establishing their largest lead of the night. From that point on, New York was forced to chase the game.

“This is no time to be popping champagne,” Carlisle stated, reflecting on the journey ahead. “When you get to this point of the season, it’s two teams and it’s one goal. It becomes an all-or-nothing thing, and we understand the magnitude of it.”