Indiana Pacers Secure NBA Finals Spot with 125-108 Win over New York Knicks
The Indiana Pacers have secured their first NBA Finals spot in 25 years with a convincing 125-108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. According to USA Today, the Pacers’ win sets up a matchup against the Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals.
The Pacers’ victory was fueled by a strong team effort, with seven players scoring in double figures, including Pascal Siakam, who led the way with 31 points on 10-of-18 shooting. Tyrese Haliburton also had a significant impact, scoring 11 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and dishing out 13 assists. As reported by USA Today, the Pacers’ balanced attack was a key factor in their win.
The Pacers’ win was a relief for the team and their fans, who have been waiting 25 years for the team to return to the NBA Finals. The team’s last appearance in the Finals was in 2000, when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. As noted by USA Today, the Pacers’ return to the Finals is a significant achievement for the team and the city of Indianapolis.
Pascal Siakam was named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP after the Pacers downed the New York Knicks, 125-108, in Indianapolis on Saturday to clinch the series 4-2 and punch their ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. "Shout out Indy, man. It’s been such an amazing experience for me so far from the first day I landed here. The love has been amazing," Siakam said after winning the award, which was presented by Pacers Hall of Famer Reggie Miller.
The Pacers’ victory was also significant because it marked a major upset over the Knicks, who were favored to win the series. According to USA Today, the Pacers’ win was a testament to their team’s resilience and determination.
The NBA Finals will begin on Thursday, with the Pacers facing off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder secured their spot in the Finals with a 124-94 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals. As reported by USA Today, the Thunder are seeking their first championship since 1979.
The Pacers have only made one NBA Finals appearance in franchise history, which was in 2000 when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. The team is hoping to bring their first NBA title to Indianapolis and their fans. According to USA Today, the Pacers’ journey to the Finals has been a remarkable one, and they will look to make the most of their opportunity.
In related news, the New York Knicks’ historic postseason journey this year has not only reignited the passion of veteran Knicks fans but also attracted a new wave of supporters, uniting them in a shared sense of pride and excitement. Spike Lee, a longtime leader of the Knicks fan base, was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a superfan in October 2024.
The Indiana Pacers will host the New York Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
According to BetMGM, the Pacers are favored to beat the Knicks in Game 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Pacers are also favored to win the NBA Eastern Conference finals, with odds of -375.
ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives the Pacers a 58% chance of beating the Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.
The NBA Finals schedule is as follows:
- Game 1, June 5: TBD vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC
- Game 2, June 8: TBD vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 8 p.m. ET | ABC
- Game 3, June 11: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. TBD, 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC
- Game 4, June 13: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. TBD, 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC
- Game 5, June 16: TBD vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC*
- Game 6, June 19: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. TBD, 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC*
- Game 7, June 22: TBD vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 8 p.m. ET | ABC*
*If necessary.
Source: USA Today – https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/playoffs/2025/05/31/knicks-pacers-score-live-updates-highlights/83959330007/
