Knicks and Pacers Face Off in Eastern Conference Finals

NEW YORK, NY — The Eastern Conference Finals kicks off tonight as the New York Knicks host the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. This highly anticipated matchup marks the fourth time these two rivals have faced each other with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line.

The Knicks have had historical success in previous meetings, winning in 1994 and 1999, while the Pacers triumphed in 2000. Both teams come into this matchup with strong playoff runs, with the Pacers recently eliminating the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks and the Knicks defeating the defending champions.

Tyrese Haliburton, a key player for the Pacers, has been instrumental in their offense, averaging 117.7 points per game this postseason. His playmaking ability alongside Pascal Siakam‘s versatility poses a significant challenge to the Knicks’ defense, which will be crucial in determining the outcome of Game 1.

The Knicks, led by stars like Karl-Anthony Towns, are coming off a strong performance and are eager to capitalize on their home-court advantage. Towns has historically performed well against the Pacers, averaging 30.2 points per game in recent encounters.

As both teams prepare to battle for a spot in the Finals, they are also celebrating their rivalry’s legacy. Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced the temporary co-naming of several streets in Manhattan to honor the Knicks’ playoff journey. “The Knicks embody the spirit of New York,” said Mayor Adams.

The streets began at 6th Avenue and West Washington Place and continued south, displaying signs honoring the players. This gesture reflects the pride and excitement shared by millions of New Yorkers as the Knicks return to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since the 1999-2000 season.

Game 1 of the series will begin at 8 p.m. ET, providing a stage for these storied franchises to continue their rivalry. Fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling matchup filled with intensity and memorable moments as both teams vie for the chance to play for the championship.