The Pacers beat the Knicks again and advanced to the finals. They reached the top stage again after 25 years.
2025-06-02 05:05
On June 2 , with a strong outburst in the third quarter, the Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 125-108 in Game 6 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals, winning the series with a total score of 4-2 and successfully returning to the NBA Finals after 25 years!
The Pacers, who returned to their home court, faced the Knicks, who were fighting a last-ditch battle, and were caught in a tug-of-war in the first half. But after the start of the third quarter, the home team suddenly accelerated, hitting consecutive outside shots and playing efficient offense, which widened the score gap to double digits in one fell swoop and completely crushed the Knicks' hope of a counterattack.
In this campaign, Pascal Siakam of the Pacers performed brilliantly, contributing a game-high 31 points and 5 rebounds, and was named the Eastern Conference Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP). Haliburton delivered comprehensive data of 21 points, 13 assists and 6 rebounds, Toppin and Nembhard also scored 18 points and 14 points respectively, Turner and Bryant each scored 11 points, laying a solid foundation for the team's victory.
For the Knicks, Anunoby scored 24 points and 5 rebounds, Towns contributed 22 points and 14 rebounds, and Brunson also handed in 19 points and 7 assists. Bridges and Shamet scored 15 points and 12 points respectively, but the overall team still couldn't compete with the Pacers who were firing on all cylinders.
The game was fast-paced from the beginning, with both sides going back and forth. In the first quarter, the Pacers only led by 1 point, 25 to 24. In the middle of the second quarter, the Knicks tied the score with Towns and Anunoby's consecutive scores, but Haliburton, Nembhard and others immediately responded with a wave of offensives, helping the Pacers to lead slightly by 58 to 54 at the end of the first half.
After the change of sides, the Pacers opened fire, hit three-pointers in succession, and seized the Knicks' multiple mistakes to launch a 20-9 offensive, widening the score to 78-63. Although the Knicks responded with an 8-0 climax, they still couldn't close the gap. At the end of the third quarter, the Pacers had a 15-point lead.
In the final quarter, the Knicks tried to make a last-ditch effort, with Towns and Anunoby leading the team in pursuit. However, the Pacers continued their excellent form, with Toppin, Turner and Nembhard scoring continuously and firmly controlling the tempo of the game. Seeing that they were powerless to turn the tide, the Knicks finally replaced their main players in advance and declared surrender.
This victory marks the first time the Pacers have reached the NBA Finals since 2000, and are aiming for their first championship trophy in team history. Next, they will face the Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the finals. The first game of the series will start on Thursday, US time (Friday, Malaysian time). Whether the Pacers can end their years of championship-less history is highly anticipated by fans.
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