Knicks Face Pacers in First Conference Finals in 25 Years

New York, NY – The New York Knicks are set to face the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, marking their first appearance in this stage in 25 years. The series kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on May 21. Last year, the two teams tangled in the postseason, but an injury to OG Anunoby changed the course of the playoffs.

In the 2024 conference semis, Anunoby strained his hamstring during Game 2, which shifted the momentum in favor of the Pacers. The Knicks had been poised to take a 2-0 lead in that series with Anunoby playing a crucial role, but his injury ultimately led to their second-round exit.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player on Wednesday, adding another layer of excitement as the playoffs heat up. He excelled during the regular season, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a league-best record of 68-14. With 32.7 points and 6.4 assists per game, he secured 71 first-place MVP votes, besting Denver’s Nikola Jokić, who garnered the remaining votes.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished third in the voting, humorously reacted to Gilgeous-Alexander’s win on social media, showcasing the competitive spirit among the league’s top players. Antetokounmpo claimed the MVP in 2019 and 2020, while Jokić previously won the award three times.

The Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics 118-91 to reach the conference finals, and fans are eager for the rematch against the Pacers, the team that previously eliminated them in 2000. The history between these franchises adds fuel to the fire as they prepare for a highly anticipated battle.

“This is a huge moment for the team and the city. We’re ready to make history,” said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau after the last game. The stage is set for a thrilling series, and both teams will be looking to establish an early advantage.