As the Eastern Conference finals kick off, the Indiana Pacers are set to face off against the New York Knicks in Game 1 on Wednesday, marking a significant chapter in their historical rivalry. This matchup not only continues their storied postseason encounters but also ties for the most playoff series between these two teams, reaching a total of nine since they first met in 1993.
Remarkably, four of these nine meetings have taken place in the conference finals, showcasing the long-standing competitive spirit since the establishment of conference play in the 1970-71 season. Last year’s playoffs saw the Pacers triumph over the Knicks in a tightly contested seven-game series during the Eastern Conference semifinals, a victory that is still fresh in the minds of both teams.
Pacers’ guard Tyrese Haliburton even added a symbolic gesture to the rivalry after that series, sporting a hoodie featuring Reggie Miller’s famous choke signal—a nod to Miller’s unforgettable moments against Knicks superfan Spike Lee back in their notable 1994 playoff clash.
The Knicks are entering this series with a surge of momentum after taking down the defending champion Boston Celtics in six games, while the Pacers made a strong statement by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers, who held the second-best record in the NBA, in just five games.
As these two formidable teams prepare to clash, the anticipation for Game 1 is palpable. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see who will seize the early advantage in this historic series.