Indiana Pacers Clinch Eastern Conference Title, Reach NBA Finals

The Indiana Pacers secured a commanding 125-108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, advancing to the NBA Finals for only the second time in franchise history. The game was tightly contested in the first half, but Indiana pulled away in the second half with strong performances from Pascal Siakam, who earned Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors with 31 points, and Tyrese Haliburton, who rebounded from a quiet Game 5 to score 21 points along with 13 rebounds and six assists. The Pacers' balanced team effort was evident as 11 players saw court time and seven scored in double figures, with Andrew Nembhard playing a key defensive role by limiting Knicks star Jalen Brunson to 19 points on 18 shots. Indiana's head coach Rick Carlisle emphasized the importance of maintaining their collective style of play—focused on team aggression and depth—in securing the series win. The Knicks, despite strong contributions from OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, were unable to overcome Indiana’s defensive intensity and overall execution, concluding their season with hopes of returning next year intact. Indiana now prepares to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, marking their first finals appearance since 2000.