Indiana Pacers punch ticket to NBA finals with 125-108 win over New York Knicks
In a thrilling
Eastern Conference Finals
conclusion on Saturday night, the
Indiana Pacers
secured their first NBA Finals berth since 2000 by defeating the
New York Knicks
125-108 in Game 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The victory capped a hard-fought series where Indiana's balanced attack and defensive intensity proved decisive against a resilient Knicks squad.
Pacers forward
Pascal Siakam
led the charge with a dominant 31-point performance, showcasing his scoring versatility and leadership on the big stage. Point guard
Tyrese Haliburton
, who has been the team's engine throughout the playoffs, finished with a solid 21 points and 14 assists, including a crucial 11-point surge in the final quarter that helped seal the win. Haliburton's postseason averages of 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists have been instrumental in Indiana's deep playoff run.
The Knicks, fighting to extend their season, kept the game competitive in the first half but faltered in the third quarter as the Pacers intensified their defense. Indiana forced 18 turnovers, converting them into 34 points, and capitalized on 25 fast-break points.
New York's Jalen Brunson was held to 19 points on 8-of-18 shooting, while Karl-Anthony Towns, battling a knee injury, contributed 22 points and 14 rebounds.
OG Anunoby
was a bright spot for the Knicks with 24 points on efficient shooting.
The Pacers' supporting cast also shone: Obi Toppin came off the bench to score 18 points, and Thomas Bryant added 11 points, including a perfect 2-for-2 from beyond the arc. Indiana's three-point shooting was a significant factor, hitting 53.3% (8 of 15) compared to the Knicks' 27.3% (3 of 11).
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This triumph marks Indiana's second NBA Finals appearance in franchise history and their first since the 2000 Finals, where they fell to the
Los Angeles Lakers
in six games. The Pacers will now face the Western Conference champion
Oklahoma City Thunder
, who dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 in their series and finished the regular season with an impressive 68 wins, earning home-court advantage.
The NBA Finals tip-off is set for Thursday, June 5, at 8:30 PM ET in Oklahoma City. The Pacers' coach expressed pride in his team's resilience: 'We stayed true to our style and were rewarded. Every point matters in this league.' Meanwhile, the Knicks coach acknowledged the challenge: 'Indiana's defense and depth were too much for us tonight.'
As the Pacers prepare for their first championship series in 25 years, fans can expect a fiercely competitive Finals featuring two well-rounded teams hungry for NBA glory.
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