The Indiana Pacers have taken a stranglehold on the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals over the New York Knicks, winning the first two games in Madison Square Garden to take a commanding series lead back home to Indiana, they are halfway to the 2025 NBA Finals.
Led by the career high 39 points of Pascal Siakam, Indiana went on a 33-28 run in the fourth quarter to come home with the victory 114-109. Game one on Wednesday night was defined by the amazing comeback by the Pacers late in the game. Game two on Friday was more traditional style of basketball. in total there were 17 lead changes, 17 ties and going into the fourth quarter the game was tied at 81. The Pacers went on a 13-4 run to begin the quarter and from then on the Pacers would exterminate any momentum the Knicks had to hold on for the win.
In game one, the story for the Indiana Pacers was the fourth quarter barrage of three pointers from Aaron Nesmith and the clutch basket by Tyrese Haliburton. In game two, it was Pascal Siakam. From the opening tip, Siakam made his presence felt. In the first half alone, Siakam scored 23 of his playoff career high 39 points. Siakam's 39 points are the seventh most in a playoff game in Indiana Pacers history.
Indiana's well balanced scoring and bench depth was on display again. Just like in game one, the Pacers had six players in double figures. Tyrese Haliburton was on the quieter side of the scoring on Friday but still managed to record a double double with 14 points and 11 assists. Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith each had 12 points, Myles Turner scored 16 and T.J. McConnell added 10 points off the bench. Indiana has proven their depth gives them an advantage. Friday night, seldomly played Ben Sheppard and Tony Bradley helped provide Indiana with and much needed help off the bench after the Pacers were plagued with foul trouble early.
While the Pacers have taken advantage of the series, New York is in dire need of answers. New York relies heavily on the scoring of Jalen Brunson who did his part again on Friday, scoring 36 points. New York also had double digit scoring from OG Anunoby with 16 points, Karl Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each scored 20. New York won the first two quarters. Led at halftime but couldn't keep up down the stretch. Every time the Knicks seemed to gain momentum, Indiana answered. The Pacers dominated the on the offensive side of the ball. New York allowed the Pacers to shoot 52 percent from the floor and 43 percent from three point range. New York choked away game one at the end, game two Indiana's balanced scoring attack doomed New York. The Knicks must respond in Indiana or else their season will be over.
While Madison Square Garden is known for its glitz and glamor with it's celebrity front row and rowdy fan base, it can be intimidating for opponents but Indiana hasn't been fazed. Not only have the Pacers taken the first two games in New York, they now go back home to Indiana. A state where basketball is religion. With the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday and then the Pacers game down the street that evening, Indiana will be the sports capital of the world this weekend. The atmosphere will be just as electric and crazy as anywhere in the country.
Indiana has been known as the road warriors in the NBA playoffs. They have set a franchise playoff record with six consecutive wins away from Indiana. The Pacers have shown to not be intimidated by going into the opposition's arena and taking the win. They did it against Milwaukee, Cleveland and now New York.
Friday night was the 50th playoff meeting in this historic rivalry between New York and Indiana. The Pacers led the series 28-22.
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