Source: Alamy Stock Photo

Indiana Returns to the NBA Finals for the First Time in 25 Years

For the first time since 2000, the Indiana Pacers have reached the NBA Finals after defeating the visiting New York Knicks 125–108 in the Eastern Conference Finals to seal the series 4–2.

This marks Indiana’s second-ever appearance in the Finals, where they will aim to win their first title against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Cameroonian star Pascal Siakam was the standout performer in this victory, scoring 31 points. Tyrese Haliburton added a double-double with 21 points and 13 assists, contributing to a well-rounded offensive display that saw seven Indiana players score in double figures. Bench contributions were also crucial, with Obi Toppin scoring 18 points and Thomas Bryant adding 11, as Indiana’s bench vastly outperformed the Knicks’ reserves 38–20.

The lead changed hands five times in the first quarter before Indiana edged ahead by a single point—and never looked back. The Knicks, increasingly tense, committed 18 turnovers, which led to 34 points for the Pacers.

Haliburton was scoreless in the first quarter but found his rhythm in the second, scoring 8 points as Indiana took a 58–54 lead into halftime.

The Pacers opened the third quarter with a 9–0 run and extended their lead to 15 points (78–63) thanks to back-to-back three-pointers. Although the Knicks managed to cut the deficit to seven, Indiana surged again to end the third quarter with a comfortable 92–77 lead.

They continued their dominance in the fourth quarter, with Haliburton scoring 11 more points to help close out the series in Game 6 and book a historic trip to the Finals.

Putting Last Season’s Disappointment Behind Them

Haliburton said the win was especially meaningful after last season’s painful exit in the Conference Finals at the hands of the Boston Celtics, who went on to win the title.

“We got to this same stage last year and didn’t make it. We worked hard as a group to get back here. It was a rough start to the season, and I’m so proud of this team’s resilience. We were bad last game, as a team, and we wanted to respond better—and we did. I can’t put into words how I feel right now,” Haliburton said.

He acknowledged the challenge that awaits against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who topped the league with 68 regular-season wins and are led by league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: “The next step is exciting, but we know there’s still a long way to go and a lot of work ahead. We need four more wins.”

Siakam was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP. The 2019 NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors bounced back with a brilliant performance after struggling in Game 5, where the Knicks had dominated defensively.

The Cameroonian forward said: “After a poor performance in Game 5, we wanted to respond. And I believe 100% in my teammates. Every time we fall behind, we find a way to fight back—and we did that tonight.”

British-Nigerian OG Anunoby led the Knicks in scoring with 24 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points and 14 rebounds. Jalen Brunson finished with 19 points and 7 assists. However, the Knicks—champions in 1970 and 1973—fell short of reaching their first Finals appearance since 1999.

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Indiana Returns to the NBA Finals for the First Time in 25 Years

Putting Last Season’s Disappointment Behind Them

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