Indiana Pacers Reach NBA Finals First Time Since 2000

The Indiana Pacers have secured a spot in the 2025 NBA Finals after defeating the New York Knicks 125-108 in the Eastern Conference Finals, marking their first Finals appearance in 25 years. Key performances came from Pascal Siakam, who scored 31 points and earned Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors, and Tyrese Haliburton, who contributed 21 points and 13 assists. WNBA star Caitlin Clark, sidelined with a quad injury from the Indiana Fever, has been a notable courtside presence throughout the Pacers' playoff run, attending seven games this postseason; the Pacers hold a perfect 7-0 record when she is in attendance. Clark shares a close friendship with Haliburton, and her enthusiastic support has energized the team and fans alike. The Pacers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Finals, beginning with two games in Oklahoma City, as the Thunder enter after a dominant Western Conference run. Meanwhile, Fever fans look forward to Clark's anticipated return as the team copes with a recent losing streak.