Pacers vs Knicks: Three Observations From Indiana’s Thumping Victory Over New York in Eastern Conference Final
“No need to panic” were Tyrese Haliburton’s words after the game 5 loss. The Indiana Pacers guard was all smiling despite losing the 2-game lead at Madison Square Garden, and it seemed like he knew what was coming in game 6 – at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Arena. The Pacers vs Knicks was an entertaining series until game 3, with the teams going for the wins till the last possessions. The next two games were one-sided for both teams before the Pacers closed the series (4-2) with a 125-108 score.
Here are three observations from the Pacers vs Knicks Game 6 of the ECF 2024-25:
Indiana Pacers’ ‘Pace’ is back
Game 5 saw the Indiana side restricted under 100 points for the first time in the 2024-25 playoffs. The side struggled at the offensive end with the Knicks’ defense and crowd getting the better of the visiting side. Game 6 was a different story. The Pacers outscored the Knicks in points off turnovers 34-13, and in fastbreak scoring, 25-10.
Moreover, the home side won all four quarters, with the third quarter being the decisive one with an 11-point lead in the quarter.
Also Read: Knicks vs Pacers: Three Unanswered Questions For Jalen Brunson and Team After Their Win at Maddison Square Garden.
Pacers with Hot Hands at Both Ends of the Floor
Indiana shot 54 per cent from the field and 52 per cent from three-point range – enough to put the opposition under pressure to score. But that’s not all. The Pacers were also defensively strong. The hosts managed to hold New York to 48 per cent from the field and 28 per cent from long range.
Even though both sides had 10 steals each in the game, the Pacers out-blocked the Knicks 9-6, denying few opportunities to score.
Knicks Are Not Clutch Enough?
Jalen Brunson might have won the Clutch Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season, but the side lost the game in key moments. Allowing the Pacers to take control of the game. Brunson and Bridges had five turnovers each, losing possessions in an important game.
The Knicks, historically never had a comeback from a 1-3 deficit, and today’s loss takes the stat to 0-16. Maybe the side will go for a more impactful addition in the offseason, but for now, the wait for the title now extends to 53 years.
ES 
EN