The longstanding rivalry between the Knicks and the Pacers is set for another round.
In a surprising turn of events, the Knicks managed to eliminate the reigning champion Celtics with a commanding 119-81 victory in Game 6 on Friday.
This win, along with the Pacers’ earlier five-game sweep of the top-seeded Cavaliers, has led to a rematch for the second consecutive year in the playoffs.
Last year, the two teams faced off in a tough seven-game series, which the Knicks ultimately lost to Boston. Now, the stage is set again.
The first two games will be held in New York starting Wednesday, before shifting to Gainbridge Field House in Indianapolis for Game 3 on Sunday.
Looking back, their previous spring matchups serve as a solid foundation for this new chapter. Between 1993 and 2000, they played each other six times, reigniting a rivalry highlighted by moments like Reggie Miller’s infamous choke sign aimed at Spike Lee in ’94 and his astonishing eight points in nine seconds the following year.
Fans might remember other dramatic series too, like Larry Johnson’s four-point play in 1999, which helped push the Knicks into the NBA Finals as the first eighth seed to do so.
Though there was also the tough series in 2013, where many Knicks fans still cringe at the memory of Carmelo Anthony hesitating on a dunk attempt against Roy Hibbert in Game 6.
This matchup features two of the league’s top point guards once again. Last year, Tyrese Haliburton and Knicks’ leader Jaren Branson both had impressive stats, averaging 29.7 points against the Pacers until Branson sustained a hand injury in Game 7.
OG Anunoby also faced challenges, missing four games in that series due to a hamstring injury. He attempted a comeback in Game 7 but was sidelined after just five minutes.
During this season’s encounters, the Knicks won two of three matchups, with rookie Karl-Anthony Towns shining by averaging 30.3 points and 12.0 rebounds. Josh Hart also made waves with a season-high 30 points in one of those games. Overall, the Knicks showcased strong offensive numbers, averaging 124.0 points while shooting 53.9% from the field and 36.7% from beyond the arc.
