For only the second time in franchise history, the Pacers have surged into the NBA Finals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder await them. Despite never having secured an NBA championship, Indiana dispatched the New York Knicks in six hard-fought games during the Eastern Conference finals, propelled by their relentless pace, sharp shooting, and tightened defense.
Forward Pascal Siakam was a standout, pouring in 31 points, while Tyrese Haliburton showcased his all-around brilliance with 21 points and 13 assists. The Knicks remained competitive early, but the Pacers broke away decisively in the third quarter, outscoring New York by 11 points during that pivotal stretch. Jalen Brunson, New York’s leading scorer, contributed 19 points, ranking third on his team.
Looking at the winners and losers from that crucial Game 6, several themes emerge.
WINNERS
The Pacers’ Shared Scoring
In Game 5, Indiana’s offense was less balanced; only Pascal Siakam, with 15 points, reached double figures. By Game 6, the narrative had shifted dramatically. Seven Pacers—every starter included—scored at least ten points, with Siakam leading the charge. The team’s ball movement was vastly improved, circulating the ball with more precision and speed than two nights before. This quick passing left the Knicks scrambling to keep up.
Indiana dished out 30 assists in the game, a significant jump from just 20 in Game 5. Haliburton alone accounted for 13 of those assists, orchestrating the offense masterfully.
Andrew Nembhard’s Defensive Effort
Though Nembhard struggled offensively at times, his defensive assignment was daunting: guarding Jalen Brunson. With Aaron Nesmith slowed by an ankle injury, coach Rick Carlisle made a bold tactical change early in Game 6, assigning Nembhard to shadow Brunson.
Nembhard embraced the challenge, sticking to Brunson tightly across the full length of the court, applying relentless pressure. In the first half, Brunson managed just 10 points on 4-of-10 shooting. Nembhard’s impact was palpable, finishing the game with six steals, disrupting the Knicks’ rhythm.
Thomas Bryant’s Energy Spark
Bryant’s minutes had dwindled after losing his spot to Tony Bradley, but with Bradley sidelined due to a hip injury, Bryant was thrust back into action. He responded with a high-energy 11-point performance in just 13 minutes. His third-quarter surge was critical, scoring eight points—including two clutch three-pointers—that helped the Pacers pull away decisively.
LOSERS
New York’s Turnover Troubles
The Knicks’ downfall was partly self-inflicted. Despite the Pacers’ aggressive ball pressure and stingy defense, New York’s 18 turnovers were costly. Those miscues translated into 34 Pacers points.
Indiana capitalized by pushing the pace, turning turnovers into lightning-fast offense. The Pacers expertly found teammates streaking toward the basket, resulting in multiple easy scoring opportunities.
Struggles in Transition Defense
Whether it was exhaustion after a grueling six-game series or a lack of strategic adjustment, the Knicks repeatedly faltered on transition defense. This had been a persistent weakness throughout the Eastern Conference finals. The Pacers, known for their speed, consistently found open lanes to the basket on fast breaks, even immediately following New York’s successful field goals.
New York’s failure to adapt was glaring in the second half as Indiana pushed even harder on the break. Pascal Siakam, in particular, thrived, routinely receiving quick outlet passes for uncontested layups. Four of his first seven shots were transition layups, a testament to the Pacers’ fast-paced game plan.
Overall, Indiana outscored the Knicks 25-10 on transition points, a critical factor in sealing their victory.
Perimeter Defense Breakdown
Another troubling issue for New York was their lax perimeter defense. The Knicks frequently allowed Indiana’s shooters uncontested looks from beyond the arc. Center Karl-Anthony Towns often went under screens or lacked the intensity to close out on shooters, allowing Indiana to exploit pick-and-roll situations when he was the secondary defender.
The results were staggering: Indiana nailed 17 of 33 three-point attempts, shooting an impressive 51.5% from deep. Meanwhile, the Knicks struggled from the perimeter, converting just 9 of 32 shots (28.1%). This disparity translated into a massive 24-point advantage for the Pacers from three-point range alone.
Conclusion
The Pacers’ ability to share the ball, apply suffocating defense, and execute their fast-paced offense ultimately overwhelmed the Knicks. With their balance of scoring, relentless pressure, and sharp shooting—especially from beyond the arc—they secured their place in the NBA Finals, poised to challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder. This run has demonstrated that when the Pacers move the ball swiftly and efficiently, they become a force to be reckoned with, blending team chemistry and individual brilliance into a championship-caliber mix.
