Pacers Defeat Knicks, Reach NBA Finals for First Time Since 2000

Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton powered the Indiana Pacers to a 125-108 win over the New York Knicks on Saturday, clinching a 4-2 series victory and their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years. Siakam scored 31 points and earned the Larry Bird Trophy as Eastern Conference finals MVP, while Haliburton added 21 points and 13 assists, with 11 points coming in the fourth quarter.

The Pacers opened the second half with a 9-0 run and surged ahead with back-to-back 3-pointers from Thomas Bryant and Andrew Nembhard. Obi Toppin contributed 18 points against his former team. New York struggled under Indiana’s defensive pressure, committing 17 turnovers. OG Anunoby led the Knicks with 24 points, followed by Karl-Anthony Towns with 22 points and 14 rebounds. The Pacers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals starting Thursday.