The Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks have a longstanding rivalry that has produced some epic playoff matchups over the years. From Reggie Miller’s iconic moments to Patrick Ewing’s heroic performances, these two teams have a history filled with drama, controversy, and thrilling basketball. As they gear up to face each other once again in the Eastern Conference finals, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most memorable encounters between the Pacers and the Knicks.
1995 East Semifinals: Miller’s eight points in nine seconds stunned the Knicks and set the tone for a series that ended with the Pacers closing out the Riley era in New York. The game featured a controversial collision between Miller and Oakley, leading to fines and heated emotions on both sides. The Pacers ultimately triumphed, signaling a changing of the guard in the Eastern Conference.
1994 East Finals: With Michael Jordan temporarily out of the picture, Miller and the Pacers seized the opportunity to take down the Knicks in a thrilling series that went the distance. Miller’s clutch shooting and iconic gestures towards Spike Lee added fuel to the fire, making this matchup one for the ages. The Knicks ultimately prevailed, but not without a fight from the resilient Pacers.
1999 East Finals: In a lockout-shortened season, the Knicks and Pacers faced off in a contentious series that featured a controversial four-point play that turned the tide in New York’s favor. Despite losing Ewing to injury, the Knicks found a way to overcome adversity and advance to the NBA Finals, setting the stage for a memorable showdown with the Spurs.
2024 East Semifinals: The most recent playoff meeting between the Pacers and the Knicks saw Indiana deliver a dominant Game 7 performance on the road, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity. Despite facing injuries and setbacks, the Pacers managed to outlast the Knicks and advance to the next round, leaving New York hungry for revenge in the upcoming series.
As the two teams prepare to renew their rivalry in the 2025 Eastern Conference finals, fans can expect another chapter filled with intense competition, high stakes, and unforgettable moments. With players like Haliburton and Brunson leading the way, both the Pacers and the Knicks are poised to deliver a series that will add to their rich history of playoff battles. Whether it’s a game-winning shot, a controversial call, or a heated exchange between players, one thing is for certain: when the Pacers and the Knicks face off, anything can happen on the basketball court. So buckle up, NBA fans, because this Eastern Conference finals is sure to be a wild ride from start to finish.
