Thursday, May 22, 2025

Knicks vs Pacers

 

Knicks vs Pacers: A Classic NBA Rivalry Reignited in the 2024 Playoffs




The New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers rivalry is one of the NBA’s most iconic matchups, steeped in decades of competitive basketball. The 2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals served as the latest chapter in this thrilling saga, with both teams battling it out in a fierce seven-game series. The outcome, a Game 7 victory for the Pacers, was both historic and heartbreaking—especially for a Knicks team plagued by injuries.

In this article, we break down the key moments, stats, and implications of the Knicks vs Pacers 2024 NBA Playoff series, providing fans with everything they need to know.


A Rich Rivalry Renewed

Historical Context: Knicks vs Pacers Through the Decades

The Knicks and Pacers have clashed numerous times in the NBA playoffs, dating back to the 1990s. Legendary battles featuring Reggie Miller and Patrick Ewing have created a fierce and emotional connection between the franchises and their fanbases.

The 2024 matchup revived that intensity, drawing comparisons to the rivalry's golden years.





2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals: Series Overview

Series Summary

  • Matchup: #2 New York Knicks vs #6 Indiana Pacers

  • Outcome: Indiana Pacers win the series 4-3

  • Key Game: Game 7 at Madison Square Garden – Pacers win 130-109

  • MVP Candidate: Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers)

Each game in the series was closely contested, with the home team winning the first six matchups. This set up an epic Game 7 in New York, where the Pacers delivered a historic performance.




Game 7 Recap: Pacers Set NBA Playoff Shooting Record

Pacers' Unstoppable Offense

In Game 7, the Indiana Pacers shot a record-setting 67.1% from the field, the highest field goal percentage in NBA playoff history. Their incredible efficiency silenced the raucous Madison Square Garden crowd early on and never allowed the Knicks to gain momentum.

Key Performers for Indiana:

  • Tyrese Haliburton: 26 points, 6 assists, 6-of-12 from three

  • Pascal Siakam: 20 points, 4 rebounds

  • Andrew Nembhard: 20 points, 5 assists

  • Aaron Nesmith: 19 points (8-of-8 shooting)

The Pacers' balance, depth, and ball movement were key factors in dismantling the Knicks’ defense.

First-Half Dominance

Indiana exploded out of the gate, shooting a remarkable 76.3% in the first half and taking a commanding 70-55 lead at halftime. The Knicks simply couldn’t keep up as the Pacers scored at will with layups, mid-range jumpers, and transition buckets.


Knicks' Heartbreak: Injuries Derail a Promising Season

Key Injuries

The Knicks entered the series already short-handed:

  • Julius Randle: Out for the season with a shoulder injury

  • Mitchell Robinson: Foot injury

  • Bojan Bogdanovic: Out after ankle surgery

In Game 7, their injury woes worsened:

  • OG Anunoby: Attempted to play but exited after 5 minutes due to a lingering hamstring issue

  • Josh Hart: Played through an abdominal strain

  • Jalen Brunson: Suffered a fractured left hand in the third quarter and did not return

Donte DiVincenzo's Heroics

Despite the adversity, Donte DiVincenzo delivered one of the most impressive Game 7 performances in NBA history:

  • 39 points

  • 9 three-pointers (most in Game 7 history)

  • Shot 11-of-21 from the field

His effort kept the Knicks competitive, but without Brunson, the team couldn't generate enough offense.


Turning Points in the Series

Game 1 & 2: Knicks Dominate at Home

The Knicks began the series with back-to-back wins at Madison Square Garden. Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart led the way with energy, defense, and scoring. The Pacers struggled to keep up with the Knicks' pace and physicality.

Game 3 & 4: Pacers Fight Back in Indiana

Back on their home court, the Pacers found their rhythm. Haliburton and Siakam stepped up, and the bench provided crucial minutes. The Pacers tied the series 2-2.

Game 5: Knicks Regain Control

The Knicks responded with a gritty win in Game 5, led by Brunson’s 44 points. The Garden crowd once again proved to be a major factor.

Game 6: Pacers Even the Series

Indiana cruised to a win in Game 6, with contributions across the roster. The victory shifted momentum back in their favor heading into the decisive Game 7.


What’s Next for the Pacers?

Eastern Conference Finals vs Boston Celtics

With the Knicks out, the Pacers now face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. Boston, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, is the No. 1 seed and a title favorite. Indiana will need to replicate their Game 7 efficiency to stand a chance.

Tyrese Haliburton’s Breakout

This postseason has been a coming-of-age moment for Tyrese Haliburton, who has solidified himself as one of the league’s premier young point guards. His leadership, shooting, and decision-making have been crucial to Indiana’s deep playoff run.


What’s Next for the Knicks?

A Season of Promise Despite the Ending

Though the season ended in disappointment, the Knicks have much to be proud of:

  • Jalen Brunson emerged as a true All-NBA-caliber leader

  • Donte DiVincenzo proved to be a perfect fit

  • Tom Thibodeau’s system continues to develop a strong team culture

Offseason Priorities

  1. Health & Recovery: Getting Julius Randle and others back to full health

  2. Depth & Scoring: Adding bench depth to support the starting lineup

  3. Frontcourt Reinforcements: Additional size and athleticism inside

If the Knicks can stay healthy, they’ll be a top contender again next season.


Final Thoughts: A Series for the Ages

The 2024 Knicks vs Pacers playoff series was one of the most thrilling matchups in recent memory. It had everything: superstar performances, injury drama, historic records, and emotional highs and lows.

  • For the Pacers, it was a historic triumph.

  • For the Knicks, a valiant effort that fell just short.

This rivalry, renewed once again, continues to be one of the NBA’s most compelling storylines.


Keywords: Knicks vs Pacers, 2024 NBA Playoffs, Game 7, Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Brunson injury, Donte DiVincenzo 3-pointers, Eastern Conference Semifinals, Pacers vs Celtics

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