The 2025 NBA Playoffs delivered a riveting chapter in the storied rivalry between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers, as the two teams clashed in the Eastern Conference Finals. This high-stakes series, marked by electrifying performances, tactical adjustments, and a dramatic conclusion, captivated basketball fans worldwide. The Knicks vs. Pacers matchup showcased the brilliance of stars like Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton, while reigniting memories of their iconic battles, including the 2000 NBA Finals. Ultimately, the Pacers emerged victorious, securing their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000 with a 125-108 win in Game 6 on June 1, 2025. This article delves into the series’ defining moments, player stats, and the historical significance of this Eastern Conference Finals showdown.
A Rivalry Rekindled: Knicks vs. Pacers in 2025
The Knicks-Pacers rivalry is steeped in history, with the two teams meeting six times in the playoffs between 1993 and 2000, splitting the series evenly. The 2000 Eastern Conference Finals, where the Pacers defeated the Knicks to advance to the NBA Finals 2000, set a precedent for intense, physical battles. Fast forward to 2025, and the stakes were just as high. The Indiana Pacers, led by the dynamic Tyrese Haliburton, faced off against a gritty New York Knicks squad powered by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
The series, part of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, was a best-of-seven showdown that tested both teams’ resilience. The Pacers, known for their high-octane offense, aimed to secure their second-ever Pacers NBA Finals appearance, while the Knicks sought their first NBA Finals berth since 1999. With the Oklahoma City Thunder awaiting the winner in the 2025 NBA Finals, the pressure was immense.
Game-by-Game Breakdown of the Knicks vs. Pacers Series
Game 1: A Heart-Stopping Overtime Thriller
The series opened on May 22, 2025, at Madison Square Garden, with the Knicks game delivering an instant classic. The Pacers edged out a 138-135 victory in overtime, thanks to Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch performance. Haliburton tied the game with a jumper at the end of regulation and finished with 31 points, showcasing his flair for the dramatic. The Knicks score was powered by Brunson’s 43 points, but a critical steal and a three-pointer by Aaron Nesmith sealed the Pacers’ road win. Fans could watch Knicks vs. Pacers on TNT, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive series.
Game 2: Knicks Fight Back
In Game 2, the NY Knicks responded with a 135-130 win, evening the series. Brunson again led the way with 36 points, while Towns contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds. The Pacers’ fast-paced offense, led by Haliburton’s stats of 25 points and 12 assists, kept them in the game, but New York’s defense tightened in the clutch. The Knicks vs. Pacers score reflected the back-and-forth nature of the contest, with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess.
Game 3: Knicks Stage a Comeback
Game 3, played on May 25 in Indianapolis, saw the Knicks rally from a 20-point deficit to win 106-100. Karl-Anthony Towns was the hero, scoring 20 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter, joining Knicks legends like Dave DeBusschere and Patrick Ewing with a 20-point, 15-rebound playoff performance. Haliburton, despite a strong first half, managed only seven points in the final frame, as New York’s defense clamped down. The Pacers score was held to a playoff-low 42 points in the second half, giving the Knicks a 2-1 series lead.
Game 4: Haliburton’s Historic Night
The Pacers game on May 27 was a showcase for Tyrese Haliburton, who delivered a historic performance. Scoring 32 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, dishing out 15 assists, and committing zero turnovers, Haliburton became the first player in NBA playoff history to achieve a 30-15-10-0 stat line. The Pacers’ 130-121 victory pushed them to a 3-1 lead, putting the Knicks on the brink of elimination. Pascal Siakam added 30 points, and the Pacers players overwhelmed New York with 43 fast-break points. Brunson’s 31 points weren’t enough, as the Knicks struggled with 17 turnovers.
Game 5: Knicks Refuse to Quit
Facing elimination on May 29, the NY Knicks delivered a commanding 111-94 win at Madison Square Garden. Brunson led with 32 points, including 14 in the first quarter, while Towns added 24 points and 13 rebounds despite a bruised knee. The Knicks’ defense stifled Haliburton, holding him to eight points on 2-of-7 shooting. The Pacers shot just 40.5% from the field, their lowest output of the playoffs. This Knicks game score kept New York’s season alive, forcing a Game 6 in Indianapolis.
Game 6: Pacers Punch Their Ticket
On June 1, 2025, the Indiana Pacers vs. Knicks Game 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse ended with a 125-108 Pacers victory, clinching their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. Siakam, named Eastern Conference Finals MVP, led with 31 points, while Haliburton’s 21 points and 13 assists, including a dagger three-pointer, sealed the deal. Andrew Nembhard contributed 14 points and six steals, and Ben Sheppard added defensive intensity. The Knicks players, led by OG Anunoby’s 24 points, couldn’t overcome Indiana’s relentless pace.
Key Player Performances and Stats
Tyrese Haliburton: The Pacers’ Maestro
Tyrese Haliburton’s stats were the heartbeat of the Pacers. Averaging 21 points and 10 assists in the series, Haliburton’s Game 4 masterpiece (32 points, 12 rebounds, 15 assists, zero turnovers) set a new playoff benchmark. His ability to orchestrate Indiana’s high-powered offense, combined with his clutch shooting, proved too much for the Knicks. Haliburton’s 11 fourth-quarter points in Game 6 underscored his knack for delivering under pressure.
Jalen Brunson: The Knicks’ Unyielding Leader
Jalen Brunson’s stats were equally impressive, with the Knicks’ star guard averaging over 30 points per game in the series. His 32-point performance in Game 5, including four three-pointers, showcased his resilience. Despite being targeted defensively by the Pacers, Brunson’s offensive output kept the NYK competitive. However, Indiana’s relentless pressure on Brunson limited his efficiency in key moments.
Supporting Cast: Siakam, Towns, and More
Pascal Siakam was a consistent force for the Pacers, averaging 25 points per game and earning MVP honors for the series. Karl-Anthony Towns delivered three consecutive 20-point, 10-rebound games for the Knicks, with his Game 3 heroics standing out. Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith provided crucial contributions for Indiana, while OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges bolstered the Knicks’ efforts.
Tactical Adjustments and Turning Points
The series was a chess match between coaches Rick Carlisle and Tom Thibodeau. The Pacers’ fast-paced, transition-heavy style overwhelmed the Knicks early, with 43 fast-break points in Game 4. However, New York’s defensive adjustments in Game 5, including increased pressure on Haliburton, disrupted Indiana’s rhythm. The Knicks’ 22 fouls in Game 5 reflected their aggressive approach, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pacers’ depth in Game 6.
The turning point came in Game 4, where Haliburton’s flawless performance shifted momentum decisively to Indiana. The Knicks’ inability to sustain their Game 5 defensive intensity on the road in Game 6 allowed the Pacers to capitalize on transition opportunities and pull away in the fourth quarter.
Historical Context: Knicks vs. Pacers Rivalry
The Knicks vs. Pacers rivalry has deep roots. From 1993 to 2000, the teams met six times in the playoffs, with the Knicks winning two of three Eastern Conference Finals matchups. The 2000 Pacers defeated the Knicks en route to their only NBA Finals appearance, where they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers. The 2025 series added another chapter to this storied history, with the Pacers’ victory marking their second Pacers Finals appearance and their first since 2000. The Knicks, meanwhile, continue their quest for their first NBA championship since 1973.
Where to Watch Knicks vs. Pacers and How to Follow
Fans wondering where to watch Knicks vs. Pacers could catch the series on TNT, with streaming options available on Sling TV and Playback.tv. Game 6, aired on June 1, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET, was the final NBA playoff broadcast on TNT for the season. For real-time updates, fans could follow the NBA live or check ESPN.com for Knicks vs. Pacers box scores and player stats. Social media platforms like X also provided live reactions and highlights.
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Knicks vs. Pacers Stats and Box Score Highlights
The Knicks vs. Pacers box score for Game 6 tells the story of Indiana’s dominance. The Pacers shot 52% from the field and outscored the Knicks 30-14 in points off passes. Key Knicks vs. Pacers stats include:
- Pacers: Siakam (31 points, 5 rebounds), Haliburton (21 points, 13 assists), Nembhard (14 points, 6 steals).
- Knicks: Anunoby (24 points), Brunson (20 points), Towns (18 points, 10 rebounds).
The series saw the Knicks struggle with turnovers (41-29 deficit) and points off turnovers (66-24), while the Pacers capitalized on their speed and ball movement.
Are the Knicks Still in the Playoffs?
As of June 1, 2025, the New York Knicks are no longer in the NBA Playoffs, having been eliminated by the Pacers in Game 6. The Pacers schedule now includes a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals, starting June 5. The Knicks’ season, while disappointing in its conclusion, was their best in 25 years, with hopes high for a return to the Finals NBA in 2026.
The Last Time the Pacers and Knicks Made the Finals
The last time the Pacers made the Finals was in 2000, when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. The last time the Knicks made the Finals was in 1999, falling to the San Antonio Spurs. Neither team has won an NBA championship, with the Knicks’ last title coming in 1973 and the Pacers still seeking their first. The Pacers NBA championships remain elusive, with zero titles despite two Pacers Finals appearances.
Predictions and What’s Next
Knicks vs. Pacers predictions favored the Pacers after their Game 4 dominance, with analysts citing Indiana’s offensive efficiency and depth. The Knicks’ valiant Game 5 effort raised hopes of a comeback, but the Pacers’ home-court advantage in Game 6 proved decisive. Looking ahead, the Pacers face a formidable challenge against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder in the Finals NBA. For the Knicks, the offseason will focus on building around Brunson and Towns to chase the elusive NBA champions title.
Conclusion
The New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers series was a testament to the enduring intensity of their rivalry. From Haliburton’s historic Game 4 to Brunson’s relentless scoring, the Eastern Conference Finals delivered unforgettable moments. The Pacers win in Game 6 marked a historic milestone, sending Indiana to the NBA Finals 2025 and leaving Knicks fans wondering did the Knicks win tonight? While the Knicks basketball season ended, their fight and resilience set the stage for future success. For now, the Pacers carry the Eastern Conference banner into the Finals, aiming to etch their name in NBA history.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of Knicks vs. Pacers Game 6?
A: The Pacers vs. Knicks score in Game 6 was 125-108, with Indiana clinching the series 4-2.
Q: Where can I watch Knicks vs. Pacers games?
A: Fans could watch Knicks vs. Pacers on TNT, with streaming available on Sling TV or Playback.tv. Check ESPN.com for live updates.
Q: What channel is the Knicks game on?
A: The Knicks game tonight live for Game 6 was broadcast on TNT at 8:00 p.m. ET on June 1, 2025.
Q: What are the key Knicks vs. Pacers stats?
A: Key Knicks vs. Pacers stats include Haliburton’s 21 points and 10 assists per game, Brunson’s 30+ points per game, and the Pacers’ 43-19 fast-break point advantage in Game 4.
Q: When was the last time the Pacers made the NBA Finals?
A: The last time Pacers made Finals was in 2000, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Reference
- NBA Official Website – For official NBA Playoffs schedule and stats.
- ESPN NBA – Detailed Knicks vs. Pacers box scores and player profiles.
- The Athletic – In-depth analysis of the Eastern Conference Finals.
- Sporting News – Live updates and Knicks vs. Pacers predictions.
- CNN Sports – Coverage of the Pacers NBA Finals run.
