The Indiana Pacers are heading back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000 after defeating the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. With a dominant 125–108 victory, Indiana closed out the series at home, led by Pascal Siakam’s 31 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks, and Tyrese Haliburton’s 21 points, 13 assists, and 3 steals—a performance placing him alongside legends like Magic Johnson and Steph Curry in playoff history.
Siakam’s stellar series earned him the Larry Bird Trophy as the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, averaging 24.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 52.4% from the field and 50% from deep. His leadership and championship experience from Toronto's 2019 run proved pivotal.
The Pacers vs Knicks match player stats showed Indiana’s strength in numbers—seven players finished in double digits. Indiana outscored New York 67–54 in the second half, capitalizing on 30 team assists and hitting 17 three-pointers, a series-high. The Pacers are now 36-9 when reaching 30+ assists this season, with five of those wins in the Playoffs.
Knicks vs Pacers Match Player Stats: How New York Fell Short
Despite standout performances from OG Anunoby (24 pts), Karl-Anthony Towns (22 pts, 14 reb), and Jalen Brunson (19 pts, 7 ast), the Knicks couldn’t stop Indiana’s high-octane offense. The Pacers consistently pushed the tempo, logging a playoff-high 25 fast break points in Game 6.
Bench scoring was another decisive factor. Indiana’s reserves outscored New York’s bench 210–117 across the series, with Obi Toppin contributing 18 points in the clincher, Andrew Nembhard adding 14 while locking down Brunson, and Thomas Bryant and Aaron Nesmith hitting timely shots.
NBA Playoffs 2025: Pacers vs Thunder Finals Set
The 2025 NBA Playoffs continue with the Pacers now preparing to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Finals, which begin June 5. Despite being the 4th seed, Indiana has been one of the league’s top teams in 2025, making this showdown against the 1-seed Thunder anything but predictable.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league MVP and scoring champion (32.7 ppg), torched the Pacers in the regular season—averaging 39 points in their two matchups. The Thunder went 29–1 against the East this year and swept Indiana in both games.
Yet, Indiana’s offense has been elite in the playoffs, ranked 2nd with a 117.7 offensive rating. Haliburton leads all players in postseason assists (9.8 apg), fueling the most unselfish and balanced attack in the league.
Free Fire Advance: Thunder’s Rise Mirrors 2012 Squad
This Thunder squad bears striking similarities to their 2012 Finals team. Like Durant, Westbrook, and Harden back then, the 2025 core of SGA, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren are all under 27. Oklahoma City is fast, defensive-minded, and deep—with Holmgren ranking top 5 in blocks this postseason.
Their home dominance (8–1) and league-best defense (104.7 Playoff DRTG) make them formidable. But Indiana has proven it can beat top teams when its ball movement and depth click.
NBA Games Today: Spotlight Shifts to Finals
With no NBA games today, the focus shifts entirely to the upcoming Finals clash. Game 1 tips off Thursday at 8:30 ET on ABC. Both squads are hungry: Indiana for its first title, and OKC for redemption after falling short in 2012.
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