Indianapolis, Indiana- The Indiana Pacers sealed their place in the 2025 NBA Finals with a commanding 125–108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This pivotal win wrapped up the series 4-2 in favor of the Pacers, who demonstrated resilience and tactical superiority throughout the matchup. As both teams fought hard in what was a highly anticipated playoff showdown, the Pacers’ balanced attack and key individual performances ultimately tipped the scales in their favor.
The Knicks entered Game 6 with the hope of extending the series to a decisive Game 7, but the Pacers’ combination of offensive firepower and defensive adjustments proved too much. The first half was competitive, with New York trailing by just four points at halftime. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, executed well in the opening two quarters, keeping their playoff hopes alive with aggressive scoring and solid ball movement.
However, the momentum shifted drastically in the third quarter. The Pacers outscored the Knicks by 11 points in this period, primarily due to their improved defensive pressure and more efficient shooting. Indiana’s guards controlled the pace and exploited mismatches to create open shots, forcing New York to play catch-up. Tyrese Haliburton was instrumental in this surge, finishing with 21 points and making critical plays that stifled the Knicks’ attempts to regain footing.
Bennedict Mathurin also made a significant impact off the bench, contributing 23 points that energized the Pacers and provided a much-needed offensive boost. His sharpshooting and quick drives to the basket opened up the floor for teammates, allowing Indiana to maintain their lead comfortably through the final quarter. The bench production was a decisive factor in the Pacers’ ability to pull away decisively after halftime.
For the Knicks, the night was highlighted by strong individual efforts but lacked enough team support to overcome the Pacers’ relentless attack. Jalen Brunson led New York with 32 points, showcasing his scoring ability and leadership on the court. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns added 24 points and dominated inside, but the Knicks’ defensive breakdowns and missed opportunities ultimately cost them the game.
This game marked the ninth postseason encounter between these two franchises, intensifying a budding playoff rivalry. The Pacers now lead the all-time playoff series 5-3 over the Knicks, further solidifying their dominance in recent years. This win not only reflects the Pacers’ current roster depth and strategic execution but also sets a promising stage as they advance to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals.
Looking ahead, the Pacers will prepare to meet the Thunder, who boast the best regular-season record at 68–14. The NBA Finals, set to begin on June 5, 2025, will test Indiana’s championship mettle against a formidable opponent. The Pacers’ balanced lineup, featuring emerging stars and seasoned veterans, gives them a solid foundation to compete at the highest level.
In summary, Game 6 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals was a decisive moment for the Pacers franchise. Their victory over the Knicks was fueled by a combination of tactical adjustments, strong bench contributions, and clutch performances from key players. For the Knicks, the series exit is a tough but valuable experience, providing a base to build on for future postseason runs. Fans of both teams witnessed a thrilling basketball contest that highlighted the intensity and unpredictability of the NBA playoffs.
