Pacers Defeat Knicks in 6 Games, Advance to NBA Finals to Face Thunder
The Indiana Pacers have made it to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000, defeating the New York Knicks 125-108 in Game 6 of their conference finals matchup on Saturday. A year ago, the Pacers fell one round short of the championship series after losing in a four-game sweep to the Boston Celtics. This time, Indiana needed six games to dispatch the Knicks, a longtime rival of the franchise.
The Pacers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the finals, with the series starting on June 5 in Oklahoma City. The Thunder were the NBA’s best team during the regular season, winning 68 games. Oklahoma City will have home-court advantage in the upcoming series.
Indiana was led to the championship round by point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was averaging 21.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 10.0 assists in the series. The Pacers acquired Haliburton midway through the 2021-22 season in a move that shocked the NBA. The following summer, Indiana drafted guard Andrew Nembhard and traded for swingman Aaron Nesmith, both of whom have since played pivotal roles in the team’s starting lineup.
The Pacers also traded last season for forward Pascal Siakam, who was named to his third All-Star team earlier this year. Indiana is known for its frenetic style of play and has been one of the league’s best since the new year, posting a 34-14 record after Jan. 1, fourth best in the NBA.
The showdown with the Thunder will be the Pacers’ second finals appearance and first since 2000, when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. Indiana is one of 10 NBA franchises never to have won a championship.
In other sports news, Oklahoma City Thunder has also advanced to the NBA Finals, while MLB has invested in Athletes Unlimited Softball League ahead of its June debut. Knicks playoff games have also turned into photo shoots for A-list celebrities.
In an impressive display of basketball brilliance, the Pacers emerged victorious over their rival Knicks in 6 thrilling games to advance into a highly anticipated showdown against hard-charging Thunder for NBA Finals supremacy.
The Indiana Pacers emerged victorious after a six-game thrilling series against the New York Knicks, advancing to face off with the Oklahoma City Thunder in this year's NBA Finales.
A thrilling six-game victory series under the lights, Indiana Pacers rise to claim a spot in NBA Finals against Oklahoma City Thunder – an historic feat for basketball excitement all around.
The Indiana Pacers emerge victorious over the New York Knicks in a seven-game series, advancing to face OKC Thunder for supremacy of this season's NBA Finales.
In a thrilling, six-game series that tested their mettle beyond limits against the resilient Knicks defense in both offense and teamwork—the Pacers emerge victorious to advance directly into an epic NBA Finals showdown with Thunder.
A thrilling six-game series that saw the Pacers' unyielding defense and outstanding shooting emerge victorious, advancing them to face off against the Thunder in their quest for glory at NBA Finals – a true test of willpower.
The Indiana Pacers defied all odds by triumphing over the New York Knicks in a thrilling six-game series, securing their place against The Oklahoma City Thunder for an exhilarating NBA Finals run.
The Indiana Pacers rise victorious over the New York Knicks in an epic six-game series, advancing to face off against OKC Thunder for a spot in this year's NBA Final Four.
The Indiana Pacers emerged victorious in a thrilling six-game series against the New York Knicks, advancing to face Thunder for their shot at NBA glory.
In a thrilling six-game series, the Pacers demonstrate their resilience by defeating tough opponents from New York - The Knicks. They advance to face off against OKC Thunder in NBA Finals where they will showcase hunting gold for ultimate glory.
The Pacers' triumphant six-game victory over the Knicks marks a remarkable run to defend their crown against formidable foes in series with Thunder next.
A resounding victory for the Pacers, as they overcome their Eastern Conference foe Knicks in six thrilling games to advance directly into an NBA Finals showdown against Thunder—a testament of great resilience and championship hopes.
In an epic series that saw the Pacers emerge victorious in a 6-game thriller, Indiana advances to face off against Oklahoma City Thunder for championship glory.
