Knicks vs. Pacers Recap: Indiana Secures First NBA Finals Berth Since 2000 with Thrilling Victory Over New York

The Indiana Pacers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals, marking the Pacers’ first appearance in this championship since 2000. Back then, legends like Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose dazzled the court under coach Larry Bird. Now, with a new generation, the Pacers have pushed through to the finals after defeating the New York Knicks 125-108, thanks to a powerful third-quarter surge.

Game 1 is set for Thursday in Oklahoma City at 8:30 p.m. ET. In their playoff journey, the Pacers have outpaced strong contenders like the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers, showcasing explosive scoring and teamwork. Their recent victory against the Knicks was fueled by a stunning 51.5% shooting from beyond the arc.

Pascal Siakam led the charge with 31 points, and Tyrese Haliburton bounced back from a slow start to add 21 points and 13 assists. Andrew Nembhard, known for his defensive tenacity, contributed 14 points, eight assists, and six steals.

The Knicks’ OG Anunoby finished with 24 points, showing his own scoring prowess, but it wasn’t enough against the Pacers’ efficient offense. The Pacers capitalized on the Knicks’ 17 turnovers, scoring 34 points from those mistakes.

Despite the Pacers’ exciting performance, the odds favor the Thunder, who opened as heavy favorites at -800 according to BetMGM. This disparity reflects the Thunder’s strong regular-season record, but many fans are buzzing with excitement over the Pacers’ potential to upset.

Siakam was named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, edging out Haliburton by a narrow vote. His impactful plays in key games have proven the trade from the Toronto Raptors worthwhile, giving the Pacers the championship-caliber boost they hoped for.

However, the Pacers face uncertainty heading into Game 1 due to injuries. Jarace Walker hurt his ankle, while Aaron Nesmith suffered a collision that left him questionable for the finals. Nesmith has been crucial, especially in the playoffs, making his potential absence a significant concern.

As fans eagerly anticipate the finals, the journey of the Pacers—rise from rebuilding to contending—paints a compelling story reminiscent of past teams that overcame the odds. The NBA Finals promise excitement, with all eyes on whether the Pacers can deliver a stunning upset against the Thunder.

For further details on the match-up and game statistics, you can check out ESPN.

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Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, NBA Finals, Cleveland Cavaliers, TYRESE HALIBURTON, Western Conference finals, Pascal Siakam, Reggie Miller, Jarace Walker, Aaron Nesmith, Milwaukee Bucks, Andrew Nembhard, Toronto Raptors, Thomas Bryant, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby