The New York Knicks are facing off against the Indiana Pacers in a highly anticipated Eastern Conference Finals, with a coveted NBA Finals berth at stake. This rivalry, rich in postseason history, is poised to add another chapter as the Knicks aim for their first Finals appearance since 1999, while the Pacers strive to return for the first time since 2000.
Currently, the Pacers hold a commanding 2-0 lead in the series, having won both games in New York. They took Game 1 in dramatic fashion, completing a comeback in the waning moments, and secured a tighter victory in Game 2. Game 3 is scheduled for Sunday night in Indianapolis, where the Knicks will look to turn the tide.
The Knicks are enjoying their first run in the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000, following a hard-fought playoff series against the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics, which they won in six games. Jalen Brunson has emerged as a standout player for New York, averaging an impressive 28.8 points during these playoffs and showing clutch performance in crucial moments.
The Pacers reached this stage by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers, each in five games. Having previously bested the Knicks in last season’s playoffs and making it to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers are looking to leverage their experience from past encounters.
The rivalry is highlighted by a notable historical context—the last time these teams faced each other in the Eastern Conference Finals, it was the Pacers who claimed victory to advance to the NBA Finals. The current matchup continues to resonate, as both franchises long for another chance to compete for the championship after decades of absence from the pinnacle of the league.
The complete schedule for the Eastern Conference Finals is as follows:
– Game 1: Pacers 138, Knicks 135 (OT)
– Game 2: Pacers 114, Knicks 109 (Indiana leads series 2-0)
– Game 3: Sunday, May 25 | Knicks vs. Pacers | 8 p.m., TNT/Max
– Game 4: Tuesday, May 27 | Knicks vs. Pacers | 8 p.m., TNT/Max
– Game 5: Thursday, May 29 | Pacers vs. Knicks | 8 p.m., TNT/Max
– Game 6: Saturday, May 31 | Knicks vs. Pacers | 8 p.m., TNT/Max
– Game 7: Monday, June 2 | Pacers vs. Knicks | 8 p.m., TNT/Max
The series odds currently favor the Pacers, making Game 3 crucial for the Knicks. Coach Tom Thibodeau has made lineup adjustments, including starting Mitchell Robinson over Josh Hart, indicating a shift to bolster their defensive strategy.
As the series progresses, the stakes continue to rise, with fans of both teams hopeful for an exhilarating series that could culminate in a long-awaited showdown for the championship.