After 25 years, the Pacers are back on the NBA’s biggest stage. Led by an outstanding Pascal Siakam, Indiana seals the deal in Game 6 against New York.
The Indiana Pacers won Game 6 with a 125-108 home victory over the New York Knicks, reaching the NBA Finals for the second time in franchise history. Pascal Siakam, who was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP, led Indiana with 31 points, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed 21 points and 13 assists. In front of their home crowd in Indianapolis, the Pacers pulled away decisively in the middle of the third quarter and never looked back.
After a closely contested first half, Indiana started the second half with a 9-0 run – three quick three-pointers from Thomas Bryant and Andrew Nembhard provided the momentum. Even when the Knicks briefly closed the gap to seven points, the Pacers responded immediately with another run. Obi Toppin (18 points) scored confidently against his former team (7/11 FG), and overall the hosts dominated with aggressive defense, forcing 17 Knicks turnovers and keeping New York at bay.
The Knicks, led by OG Anunoby (24 points), Karl-Anthony Towns (22 points, 14 rebounds) and Jalen Brunson (19 points), never found their rhythm. Indiana, on the other hand, remained the more stable team throughout the 48 minutes, impressing with depth and commitment – and was carried by the euphoric crowd. The team’s place in the final is the crowning glory of an impressive playoff campaign and they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday.
