The Indiana Pacers have clinched their spot in the 2025 NBA Finals, defeating the New York Knicks 125-108 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. This marks the Pacers’ first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. They will face the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Game 1 scheduled for June 5 in Oklahoma City.
The Pacers dominated the Knicks with a stellar shooting performance, hitting 17 of 33 three-pointers (51.5%) and capitalizing on the Knicks’ mistakes with 34 points off 17 turnovers. Pascal Siakam led the scoring with 31 points, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed 21 points and 13 assists. Andrew Nembhard was pivotal with 14 points, 8 assists, and 6 steals.
Despite the victory, the Pacers faced injury concerns as Jarace Walker and Aaron Nesmith left the game with injuries. Walker appeared to have a severe ankle sprain, and Nesmith suffered a collision with Karl-Anthony Towns. Both players will have five days of rest before the start of the Finals.
Pascal Siakam was named Eastern Conference finals MVP, edging out Tyrese Haliburton in a close vote. The Thunder are heavily favored to win the series, opening as -800 favorites at BetMGM. The Finals schedule includes Games 1 and 2 in Oklahoma City, Games 3 and 4 in Indiana, and potential Games 5 through 7 alternating between the two cities.