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USA Today
8 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Tyrese Haliburton hilariously thought he'd get East Finals MVP before Pascal Siakam's win
Tyrese Haliburton hilariously thought he'd get East Finals MVP before Pascal Siakam's win You could've forgiven the electric Tyrese Haliburton for thinking it was his "moment" in the aftermath of the Indiana Pacers clinching their first NBA Finals berth in a quarter-century. After all, Indiana's franchise talisman tore up the New York Knicks to the tune of a 21-point, 10.5-assist, 6-rebound, 2.5-steal average over six Eastern Conference Finals (ECF) games. Suffice it to say, Ben Stiller wasn't the only Knicks-adjacent person feeling Haliburton's wrath over the last couple of weeks. So, when it came time to announce East Finals MVP, Haliburton understandably thought he was about to take home some individual hardware. The awkward twist for Haliburton was that Pacers teammate Pascal Siakam won the honor instead by a single vote. Of course, Siakam was a deserved winner in his own right, as the power forward and 2019 NBA champion had three games of at least 30 points during the series. What's funny here is that you could hilariously see Haliburton positioning himself to take ECF MVP as TNT's Ernie Johnson started announcing the honor. You know what I'm talking about, where you start lightly pushing through the crowd, trying to minimize the time it takes for you to get to center stage. We've all done it. We've all seen it. Alas, while it wasn't meant to be for the Pacers' franchise player here, he did give us a brilliant (and awkward) moment of levity: If there's any consolation for Haliburton, he still has a tremendous opportunity to add an even bigger individual trophy to his collection. Given his skills as a player, Haliburton will undoubtedly be one of the top favorites to capture this year's NBA Finals MVP. However, that task will be easier said than done as his Pacers will probably have to topple the heavily favored Oklahoma City Thunder because the NBA typically does not give the Finals MVP to someone on the losing team. At any rate, it's something Haliburton can look forward to if he's brilliant in a potential Pacers' upset of the Thunder.
Fox Sports
a day ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
NBA East finals: Pacers eliminate Knicks to return to 1st Finals since 2000
The Indiana Pacers made it to the NBA Finals after defeating the New York Knicks in six games to clinch the Eastern Conference. The Pacers are back in the Finals for the first time since 2000, the same year their star point guard Tyrese Haliburton was born. They will face the Oklahoma City Thunder, who won the West earlier this week and are now back in the Finals since 2012. One season after the Pacers lost to the Boston Celtics in the ECF, they scaled that hump. As for the Knicks, they still haven't appeared in the NBA finals since 1999 and haven't won it all since 1973. Here's what stood out after the Pacers' Game 6 win and what's next as they gear up for Thursday's showdown in OKC. ___________ Game 6: Pacers 125, Knicks 108 What went right for the Pacers? Pascal Siakam and the Pacers' role players stepped up in various ways. With the Knicks prioritizing keeping the ball out of Haliburton's hands, and eliminating his drives when he did have it, the Pacers' auxiliary players were bound to define their outcome. Siakam scored cheap buckets on leak-outs and transition opportunities. Andrew Nembhard rediscovered his offensive touch in the second half and clamped Jalen Brunson the whole game — essential with Indiana nervous to put a hampered Aaron Nesmith on Brunson for long stretches. Nembhard also found his defensive prowess again, finishing Game 6 with six steals. Myles Turner had a better game, too, hitting a pair of crucial 3-point shots. Off the bench, Obi Toppin and Thomas Bryant provided an impact. Toppin with his athleticism and Bryant with timely corner 3s. While Haliburton didn't light up the scoring column, his patience, humility and 13 assists helped empower his teammates. In the fourth quarter, he found soft spots in the Knicks' defense for a trio of game-sealing floaters. The key word and ultimate difference for Indiana was pressure. They applied it on both sides; defensively, they picked up the Knicks' ball handlers in the backcourt off makes and misses, while on offense they demonstrated it on fast breaks. They had worn out the Knicks all series, and it paid dividends in the second half of Game 6. What went wrong for the Knicks? Apart from Mitchell Robinson's presence on the offensive glass, the Knicks were unable to meet the Pacers' intensity. The Pacers' full-court pressure sped them up and took them out of their rhythm. New York was unable to prevent Indiana from getting out in transition, or establishing their second break. While it was a four-point game at halftime, it felt like the Knicks were catching their breath. OG Anunoby and Miles Bridges kept them in it, while Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns struggled. That theme continued as the Knicks best two players — Brunson and Towns — were simply not good enough to pull out a must-win game. The Pacers flustered Brunson, forcing him into chaotic drives and five turnovers. Towns, after dominating every defender thrown his way, failed to maximize isolation situations. Towns, too, was sub-par defensively. His inability to meet the ball at the point of attack eliminated Bridges and Anunoby's hard work to contain penetration. In the end, the Pacers had more options than the Knicks and pushed those buttons successfully, resulting in a series victory in six games. The Pacers are in the Finals. They'll win if __: They continue to be themselves, and take it up a notch. As profiled, the Pacers' style matches up well with Oklahoma City's. They're unpredictable and effective on offense, and don't turn the ball over. Turnovers are what the Thunder's defense feast on, which favors them if Indiana's frenetic pace turns chaotic. But, if Indiana can continue to get out in transition, and do it cleanly, they'll have a chance to out-score Oklahoma City. The Pacers will also need a healthy Nesmith as he is by far their best option to guard NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Even with Nesmith at full-strength, Indiana could have match-up issues as Jalen Williams is too big for Nembhard and too quick for Siakam. Finding someone who can match up with Williams will be crucial, too. Oklahoma City and Indiana have never met in the NBA Finals, so it's a unique pairing team-wise and style-wise. That could lead to an intensely exciting brand of back-and-forth basketball. Jeff Teague said that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander "saved the NBA" with his play this season. Jason McIntyre discusses SGA's impact and if his play is good for the NBA. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Newsweek
a day ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Knicks-Pacers Game 5 Draws Largest Audience in Almost 10 Years
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks have a historic rivalry. It's one that got renewed this year by having these two teams face off in the Eastern Conference Finals. New York hasn't been to the NBA Finals since 1999, when they beat the Pacers to get there. Indiana hasn't been to the Finals since 2000, when they beat the Knicks to advance. After Game 5, the Pacers still lead the series 3-2. The Knicks were able to stave off elimination and elongate the series. Obi Toppin #1 of the Indiana Pacers dunks the ball against the New York Knicks during overtime in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers currently lead the series 3-2 over the Knicks. Obi Toppin #1 of the Indiana Pacers dunks the ball against the New York Knicks during overtime in Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers currently lead the series 3-2 over the Knicks. Photo byNew York won that must-win Game 5 in front of a fired-up home crowd at Madison Square Garden. The fans in the arena weren't the only fans who were fired up to watch the game, though. NBA fans all over were excited to watch the Knicks take down the Pacers. In fact, the ratings were through the roof for an Eastern Conference game. It was the most-watched Eastern Conference Finals Game 5 since 2018, which is quite a feat. Thursday night's Pacers/Knicks game averaged 6.7 million viewers, the most watched ECF, Game 5 since 2018. Viewership peaked with 7.9 million viewers at 9:45 Per @TNTSportsUS — Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 30, 2025 The fact that the Knicks are in the game certainly helps the national appeal. They are one of the biggest markets in the NBA, so casual fans are going to watch them play. Indiana is one of the most fun teams to watch in the league, as well. This is also a historic rivalry, so that's why so many people are tuning in. Read more: Bucks Hit With Troubling Brook Lopez Update Surprisingly, the series hasn't gotten as chippy as some NBA pundits thought it might get. Both teams have been able to keep their cool thus far. Tyrese Haliburton has had some incredible moments in this series for the Pacers. He is the engine that drives their offense, and he helped cap an insane comeback in Game 1. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have been instrumental in the success the Knicks have had. Both players continue to play well, no matter what Indiana throws at them. If Indiana makes the NBA Finals, it will be just the second time in franchise history that they will have accomplished that feat. The Knicks last won an NBA title in 1973, so if they make it, they will be looking to do something they haven't done in over 50 years. Meanwhile, the Pacers have never won an NBA championship. A lot is at stake for both franchises as the series winds down to a close. More NBA on Newsweek: Suns' Kevin Durant Receives Eye-Opening Future Prediction Mavericks Trade Proposal Lands 2-Time All-Star For Daniel Gafford
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Andrew Nembhard discusses the Pacers' Game 2 win over the Knicks
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau previews ECF battle with Pacers, what his team needs to win New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau met the media on Monday to preview his team's matchup with the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, and talked about his rotations, the skill of Indiana, and getting another shot at the Pacers after they eliminated the Knicks in last season's NBA Playoffs. 9:57 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Aaron Nesmith discusses the Pacers' Game 5 loss to the Knicks
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau previews ECF battle with Pacers, what his team needs to win New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau met the media on Monday to preview his team's matchup with the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, and talked about his rotations, the skill of Indiana, and getting another shot at the Pacers after they eliminated the Knicks in last season's NBA Playoffs. 9:57 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
