The Indiana Pacers have advanced to the NBA Finals after defeating the New York Knicks 125-108 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. This marks a significant turnaround for the Pacers, who fell short of the finals last year, losing to the Boston Celtics in a four-game sweep. Indiana needed only five games to eliminate the Knicks, showcasing their competitive prowess against a long-time rival.
The Pacers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Finals, starting June 5 in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder, who had the best regular-season record of 68 wins, will hold home-court advantage. Indiana’s success has been driven by standout point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who averaged 21.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 10.0 assists throughout the series against New York. Haliburton was acquired in a surprising mid-season trade involving All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis.
The franchise has strengthened its roster further by drafting guard Aaron Nembhard and acquiring swingman Aaron Nesmith, both essential to the starting lineup. Additionally, forward Pascal Siakam, who recently earned his third All-Star selection, was traded to Indy last season. Known for their fast-paced style of play, the Pacers ranked seventh in the NBA in pace during the regular season. Following a hot streak post-January, they finished the season ranked fourth in the Eastern Conference.
In earlier playoff rounds, the Pacers eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks for the second consecutive year and upset the 64-win Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round. Head coach Rick Carlisle—who has a rich history with the franchise—leads the team to its second finals appearance since their only trip in 2000, when they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Pacers remain one of ten NBA franchises yet to claim a championship.
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