For the first time in 25 years, the Indiana Pacers are back in the NBA Finals.
The New York Knicks put up a fight late in the Eastern Conference finals, winning Game 5 two nights ago, but Indiana closed out New York on Saturday night in Game 6, 125-108. The Pacers clamped down and intensified their defensive effort, forced the Knicks into turnovers, sprinted out into transition and rode a hot shooting hand from deep to put the Knicks away.
One game after Indiana had only one player — forward Pascal Siakam — score double figures, the Pacers had seven eclipse the mark Saturday, including all five starters. Siakam led the way with 31 points on 10-of-18 shooting, though Tyrese Haliburton came alive late in the game, scoring 11 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter.
By comparison, Haliburton, who also dished out 13 assists Saturday, had scored just eight points in Game 5.
The Pacers won every quarter, though they held only a four-point lead heading into halftime. Indiana, however, came out aggressively to start the third, erupting on a 14-2 run in the first two minutes of the period.
All game, the Pacers scooped rebounds and flung the pass forward to capitalize on transition opportunities; Indiana claimed a debilitating 25-10 edge in fastbreak points.
Knicks forward OG Anunoby led the Knicks with 24 points on 10-of-18 shooting, while Jalen Brunson struggled early before chipping in 19 on 8-of-18 shooting.
Though Indiana has three ABA titles to its name, the Pacers will be seeking their first NBA title in franchise history. To do so, they will have to top the team with the most victories in the regular season, the Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 1 is Thursday (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC).
Final: Pacers 125, Knicks 108
Though Indiana has three ABA titles to its name, the Pacers will be seeking their first NBA Finals title in franchise history. To do so, they will have to top the team with the most victories in the regular season, the Western Conference champion Thunder. Game 1 is Thursday (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC).
Pacers vs. Knicks Game 6 highlights
Indiana, hoops heartland, finally has another shot at NBA title
Sigh of relief.
Exhale of joy.
Probably a bit of both for the Indiana Pacers, and the percentage of relief vs. joy depends on the person.
No matter how one dissects the emotion, the Pacers did what they needed to do and eliminated the New York Knicks with a 125-108 victory in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals Saturday night.
It’s a small-market dream, writes Jeff Zillgitt.
Pascal Siakam named Eastern Conference Finals MVP
Pascal Siakam has another trophy for his mantle — The Larry Bird Trophy.
Siakam was named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP after the Pacers downed the New York Knicks, 125-108,in Indianapolis on Saturday to clinch the series 4-2 and punch their ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.
‘Shout out Indy, man. It’s been such an amazing experience for me so far from the first day I landed here. The love has been amazing,’ Siakam said after winning the award, which was presented by Pacers Hall of Famer Reggie Miller.
3Q: Pacers 92, Knicks 77
The Pacers began to pull away from the Knicks in the quarter building up a lead as large as 16.
Pascal Siakam had 26 points, three rebounds and three assists through three quarters.
Tyrese Haliburton went scoreless in the third quarter after scoring all eight of his points in the second quarter. He did have eight assists. Andrew Nembhard also helped move the ball around for Indiana and produced eight assists through three quarters of play.
The Knicks made an attempt to chip away at the Pacers’ lead with an eight-point scoring run to help and make it a nine-point game with 4:06 left in the quarter. The Knicks entered the fourth quarter with just nine points from its bench.
OG Anunoby leads New York with 17 points.
Halftime: Pacers 58, Knicks 54
The Pacers finished the first half with a 7-4 scoring run and a four-point lead against the Knicks.
Pascal Siakam led the scoring attack for the Pacers with 11 of his 16 points in the second quarter. Tyrese Haliburton scored eight points in the second period after going scoreless in the first half.
The Pacers scored 16 points off turnovers and had 16 points from its bench in the first half.
OG Anunoby led the Knicks with 12 of his 14 points coming in the second quarter. He shot 6-of-9 from the field while going 0-for-2 from the 3-point line.
Karl-Anthony Towns is closing in on a double-double with eight points and seven rebounds. Jalen Brunson had 10 points.
Caitlin Clark attends Pacers-Knicks Game 6
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark was on hand to watch Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals series between the Knicks and Pacers at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Clark has a strained left quadriceps and is currently out for the Fever.
1Q: Pacers 25, Knicks 24
The Knicks and Pacers have been fairly even through the opening period. Both teams have led by as many as five points.
Tyrese Haliburton went 0-for-4 from the field, including 0-for-2 from the 3-point line, but contributed with four assists and two steals for the Pacers.
Myles Turner was the leading scorer for Indiana with six points.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with seven points and two assists. He shot 3-for-7 from the field, including 1-for-3 from long range. Mitchell Robinson had six points and six rebounds for New York.
New York Knicks starting lineup:
- OG Anunoby
- Karl-Anthony Towns
- Mitchell Robinson
- Mikal Bridges
- Jalen Brunson
Indiana Pacers starting lineup:
- Aaron Nesmith
- Pascal Siakam
- Myles Turner
- Andrew Nembhard
- Tyrese Haliburton
Indiana Pacers injury report
- Tony Bradley – Available (left hip flexor strain)
- Isaiah Jackson – Out (right Achilles tendon tear)
What time is New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers today?
The Indiana Pacers host the New York Knicks for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
How to watch New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers Game 6
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
- TV: TNT, truTV
- Stream: Sling TV, Max
Watch Pacers vs. Knicks Game 6 on Sling
Where is Game 6 between Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks?
The Indiana Pacers will host the New York Knicks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.
New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers Game 6 odds
The Indiana Pacers are favored to beat the New York Knicks in Game 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, according to BetMGM (odds as of Saturday, May 31):
- Spread: Pacers (-3.5)
- Moneyline: Pacers (-180); Knicks (+145)
- Over/under: 221.5
Pacers vs. Knicks: Odds to win Eastern Conference finals
The Indiana Pacers are favored to win the NBA Eastern Conference finals, according to BetMGM (odds as of Saturday, May 31):
- Indiana Pacers -375
- New York Knicks +275
Knicks vs. Pacers Game 6 picks: USA Today staff predictions
- Jeff Zillgitt: Pacers 111, Knicks 106
- Scooby Axson: Pacers 117, Knicks 103
- Heather Tucker: Pacers 112, Knicks 101
- Cydney Henderson: Pacers 118, Knicks 113
- James H. Williams: Pacers 110, Knicks 105
New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers predictions: Expert picks for Game 6
ESPN: Pacers have a 58% chance of winning
According to ESPN’s Matchup Predictor, the Indiana Pacers have a 58% chance of beating the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Bleacher Report: Pacers punch ticket to finals
Andy Bailey writes: ‘With the Knicks’ transition offense limited by fewer Pacer turnovers and Indiana a bit more locked in from three, the Pacers should be able to win at home and end this series. As is often the case when a series hits this point (one team having more than one chance to close things out), Indiana appeared to have let its foot off the gas a bit even before the game started. It’s human nature to let your mind drift to the fact that you’ll get another shot at home in 48 hours. But that won’t happen again. Knowing Game 7 would be in New York will force the Pacers to focus and come out far more aggressively on Saturday. And after that win, Indiana will return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.’
Draft Kings: Indiana Pacers
Julian Edlow writes: I’ll take Indy to go wire-to-wire again in Game 6 and advance to the NBA Finals. You can bet them on the double result (lead at halftime and win the game) at even money, and/or lay the -4 on the Pacers at DraftKings Sportsbook.’
What channel is the NBA game tonight? How to watch Knicks vs. Pacers
The Indiana Pacers host the New York Knicks at 8 p.m. ET with coverage on TNT, truTV and streaming on Max.
Knicks vs. Pacers Eastern Conference finals
(Pacers win series 4-2)
- Game 1: Pacers 138, Knicks 135 (OT)
- Game 2: Pacers 114, Knicks 109
- Game 3, Knicks 106, Pacers 100
- Game 4, Pacers 130, Knicks 121
- Game 5: Knicks 111, Pacers 94
- Game 6: Pacers 125, Knicks 108
All times Eastern; *-if necessary
Knicks draw up blueprint to beat the Pacers
For the New York Knicks to stave off elimination, to get back in this Eastern Conference finals, they needed to somehow curb the Indiana Pacers. New York, for at least one game Thursday night, did exactly that, becoming the first team this postseason to hold Indiana to fewer than 100 points for a 111-94 victory.
New York harassed Indiana’s starters in Game 5, flying around the court and swarming. The Knicks held the Pacers’ starters to just 13 made field goals on 33.3% shooting, Indiana’s entire first five combined for 37 points; its bench poured in 57.
The question for the Knicks now becomes whether this is something that can be replicated — whether Game 5 revealed a blueprint they can use to even the series at three games apiece. — Lorenzo Reyes
ANALYSIS: Click here to read Reyes’ full story from Game 5
NBA championship odds
BetMGM odds for NBA Finals winner as of Friday, May 30:
- 1. Oklahoma City Thunder (-750)
- 2. Indiana Pacers (+700)
- 3. New York Knicks (+1500)
Oklahoma City Thunder reach NBA Finals
Four victories. That’s what the Oklahoma City Thunder need to win the franchise’s first championship since 1979 when they were the Seattle SuperSonics.
The Thunder reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 Wednesday in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.
More from Thunder’s Western Conference finals win.
When are the 2025 NBA Finals? Schedule
*-if necessary
- Game 1, June 5: TBD vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC
- Game 2, June 8: TBD vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 8 p.m. ET | ABC
- Game 3, June 11: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. TBD, 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC
- Game 4, June 13: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. TBD, 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC
- Game 5, June 16: TBD vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC*
- Game 6, June 19: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. TBD, 8:30 p.m. ET | ABC*
- Game 7, June 22: TBD vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 8 p.m. ET | ABC*
NBA conference finals bracket
Eastern Conference finals
- No. 4 Indiana Pacers def. No. 3 New York Knicks, 4-2
Western Conference finals
- No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder def. No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves, 4-1
NBA’s new era of parity
If the impending NBA Finals matchup of the league’s 23rd and 27th-ranked media markets is supposed to spell doom for the league, it is a doom the NBA’s owners intentionally brought on themselves.
While two glitz-free Midwestern cities in the Finals might not have the celebrity pull the NBA has largely enjoyed through its historically successful franchises, it was an inevitable outcome once the league designed a collective bargaining agreement that dismantled its traditional cycle of superteams and dynasties.
Welcome to the new NBA, where championship windows are smaller, the life cycle of a roster is shorter and the number of teams that can win a title in any given year is beyond anything we’ve seen in our lifetimes. — Dan Wolken
Read Wolken’s full column here.
Knicks vs Pacers rivalry
The Knicks and Pacers played six memorable playoff series against one another over an eight-season span, including two consecutive matchups in the Eastern Conference finals in 1999 and 2000. The anticipation for this latest matchup has also triggered nostalgia for those classic battles between Reggie Miller and Patrick Ewing, and how the Knicks and Pacers turned into an NBA playoffs rivalry. Here are some of the best (or infamous) moments from Knicks vs. Pacers playoff series, courtesy of Mark Giannotto.
Why is Spike Lee a Knicks fan?
The New York Knicks’ historic postseason journey this year has not only reignited the passion of veteran Knicks fans but also attracted a new wave of supporters, uniting them in a shared sense of pride and excitement.
Among the most enthusiastic supporters is Spike Lee, a longtime leader of the Knicks fan base.
The film director is often seen in Knicks gear, sporting the standout orange and blue in some fashion, and he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a superfan in October 2024.
Why is Timothée Chalamet a Knicks fan?
This rare and exciting moment has ignited enthusiasm for New York Knicks fans everywhere, including Academy Award-nominated actor Timothée Chalamet.
Chalamet often joins the jubilant Madison Square Garden crowd alongside Spike Lee, a prominent figure on the Knicks’ sidelines. Chalamet’s fervent support for the Knicks, as reported by the New York Times, began during his high school days at LaGuardia High School in Manhattan, when he was a budding actor striving to carve his niche.
Who is Mariska Hargitay?
Fans tuning in to a New York Knicks game have at some point probably seen actress Mariska Hargitay in the crowd at Madison Square Garden.
The star of the long-running NBC show ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ is a frequent presence along the sideline at MSG, with Knicks star Jalen Brunson calling the actress ‘my favorite person ever.’ What better co-sign could a fan ask for?
Here’s what to know about Knicks superfan Mariska Hargitay.
2025 All-NBA team
Oklahoma City Thunder guard and league Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic were unanimous selections from a panel of 100 global reporters and broadcasters who cover the NBA voted on the squad. View the complete list.
When is the last time Pacers made NBA Finals?
The Pacers have only made one NBA Finals appearance in franchise history. Reggie Miller led the Pacers to the 2000 NBA Finals, where they faced the Los Angeles Lakers and its star-studded duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. The Pacers quickly dropped into a 0-2 hole against the Lakers, but rebounded with a Game 3 win. The Lakers took a commanding 3-1 lead with a Game 4 victory. Indiana won Game 5 to stay alive, but the Lakers ultimately won the series and title, 4-2. O’Neal was named the Finals MVP after averaging 38.0 points, 16.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks through six games. – Cydney Henderson
NBA champions by year
Winners over the last 20 years. For a full list of champions, visit NBA.com.
- 2023-24 — Boston Celtics
- 2022-23 — Denver Nuggets
- 2021-22 — Golden State Warriors
- 2020-21 — Milwaukee Bucks
- 2019-20 — Los Angeles Lakers
- 2018-19 — Toronto Raptors
- 2017-18 — Golden State Warriors
- 2016-17 — Golden State Warriors
- 2015-16 — Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2014-15 — Golden State Warriors
- 2013-14 — San Antonio Spurs
- 2012-13 — Miami Heat
- 2011-12 — Miami Heat
- 2010-11 — Dallas Mavericks
- 2009-10 — Los Angeles Lakers
- 2008-09 — Los Angeles Lakers
- 2007-08 — Boston Celtics
- 2006-07 — San Antonio Spurs
- 2005-06 — Miami Heat
- 2004-05 — San Antonio Spurs