By: Kwame Bediako
The Indiana Pacers secured their second franchise appearance in the NBA Finals after a dominant 125-108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6. Led by Pascal Siakam’s 31 points and Tyrese Haliburton’s 21 points and 13 assists, Indiana pulled away in the second half to seal their spot in the championship series.
The win was proof to their resilience and team effort, as they outplayed a tough Knicks squad that fought hard but couldn’t overcome Indiana’s relentless attack.
Obi Toppin made a significant impact against his former team, contributing 18 points and six rebounds, earning a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd that included notable figures such as Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson and WNBA star Caitlin Clark.
The Pacers’ victory was further highlighted by their strong ball movement and aggressive defense, which forced New York into 17 turnovers. The Knicks, led by OG Anunoby with 24 points and Karl-Anthony Towns with 22 points and 14 rebounds, put up a valiant effort but fell short in a physically intense game.
The game was marked by a gritty, hard-fought atmosphere from the outset, with players and fans alike aware of what was at stake. Towns was seen limping after drawing a foul, while Haliburton briefly held his jaw after taking a shot that knocked him down, exemplifying the physicality that defined the contest.
Indiana broke the game open early in the second half, opening with a 9-0 run fueled by three consecutive three-pointers from Thomas Bryant and Andrew Nembhard, giving the Pacers a commanding 78-63 lead.
Despite a spirited response from the Knicks, who rallied with eight straight points to narrow the gap to 78-71, Indiana responded with another 9-0 run to extend their lead further.
The Pacers maintained their momentum for the rest of the game, preventing New York from mounting a comeback. The victory sets up a matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, with Game 1 scheduled for Thursday, June 5, 2025.
The Pacers’ journey to the Finals marks a significant milestone for the franchise and they will be eager to compete for their first championship since the franchise’s inception.
