Pacers Clinch NBA Finals Berth with 125-108 Game 6 Win over Knicks

The Indiana Pacers clinched their second-ever NBA Finals appearance by defeating the New York Knicks 125-108 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, capitalizing on a strong second-half performance marked by increased pace and ball movement. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 21 points and 13 assists in the decisive game, continuing his stellar playoff run where he averaged 19 points and 10 assists per game, while Pascal Siakam earned the Eastern Conference Finals MVP by contributing 31 points in Game 6. The Pacers' offense made NBA history by joining the 2018-19 Golden State Warriors as the only teams to average at least 115 points and 28 assists per game in the first three rounds of the playoffs. Their strategic emphasis on faster play in the second half exploited the Knicks' slow transition defense, leading to 25 fast-break points and numerous easy scoring opportunities. The Pacers' social media embraced the victory by mocking the Knicks' long championship drought and previous late-game collapses through edited New York Post headlines and images referencing past Pacers triumphs over New York. The Pacers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, aiming to overcome the odds as they pursue their first championship since 2000.