Indiana Pacers Break Finals Drought After Dominant Game 6 Win
Rarely does a playoff game bring a city back to life, but that's exactly what happened in Indiana on Sunday. The Pacers, after nearly a quarter-century away from the NBA’s biggest stage, hammered the New York Knicks 125-108 to close out the Eastern Conference Finals in six games. With every rebound, steal, and fast-break bucket, you could feel the ghosts of past playoff heartbreaks finally get put to rest.
Pascal Siakam played with fire the Knicks couldn’t match. He poured in 31 points, slicing defenses by running the floor and taking full advantage of Indiana’s lightning-quick transition game. His relentless effort earned him the Eastern Conference Finals MVP trophy—the first time that's happened for a Pacer since the award was introduced just a couple seasons back. Siakam didn’t do it alone, though.
Tyrese Haliburton, always elusive and creative, controlled the tempo like a seasoned veteran. He piled up 21 points and 13 assists, including a fourth quarter burst where he scored 11—turning tight moments into backbreakers for New York. Indiana’s offense hummed around Haliburton’s vision, and it felt like even the role players took their cues from him.
Andrew Nembhard, who had appeared out of rhythm earlier in the series, caught fire at just the right moment. His tenacity on defense, especially with six steals, constantly rattled Jalen Brunson, who never quite looked comfortable. Nembhard's offense also sparked in the second half when Indiana needed a lift, reminding people that this team runs deeper than its stars.
Key Contributions Seal New York’s Fate
While Siakam and Haliburton were the engine and steering wheel, Myles Turner popped up as the team’s clutch shooter. He drained two deep threes that swung the game’s momentum in Indiana’s favor, letting fans breathe easier when the Knicks threatened to close the gap in the third quarter. Then there was the bench—Obi Toppin, using his athleticism to swing the energy, and Thomas Bryant, who offered crucial spacing by nailing some sharply timed corner threes. Every piece just seemed to fit.
The Knicks threw everything they had at the Pacers. OG Anunoby was a force with 24 points, attacking fearlessly. Karl-Anthony Towns bullied his way to 22 points and grabbed 14 boards, providing a steady inside presence. Brunson, who’s been their cornerstone all season, managed 19 points on a tough night where every touch felt like a battle. Still, the Knicks couldn’t keep pace with Indiana’s well-oiled attack, and their 17 turnovers only added fuel to the Pacers’ fire.
For Indiana, this win is more than a ticket to the Finals. It’s a release after last year’s bitter Eastern Conference Finals exit and years of rebuilding. Now, they get their biggest test yet—a clash with the surging Oklahoma City Thunder, who await in the Finals starting Thursday. The championship drought in Indiana might be on borrowed time. But for now, the city can celebrate a team that finally looks ready for the spotlight.
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