INDIANAPOLIS — In a thrilling display of basketball, James Johnson, the beloved enforcer of the Indiana Pacers, made a memorable entrance as he pulled his white pickup truck onto Delaware Street just after midnight. He waved out his window to greet the enthusiastic throngs of gold-clad fans who lined the downtown sidewalks, celebrating a significant moment in Indiana sports history. Meanwhile, the atmosphere was electric with loud music and honking horns resonating through gridlocked traffic, as the local watering holes overflowed with jubilant supporters. A small group of disappointed New York Knicks fans faced good-natured heckling from the crowd, with chants of “Hicks in six!” adding to the festive ambiance. This celebration marked a historic achievement 25 years in the making.
The Indiana Pacers secured a decisive 125-108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, earning their spot in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. Entering the playoffs as the East’s No. 4 seed, the Pacers showcased their strength with an impressive 12-4 record, bouncing back remarkably after a disappointing exit from the Eastern Conference finals the previous year against the Boston Celtics.
“When it happened 25 years ago, I wasn’t even 6 months old,” said Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. “I think this is a really special time for our organization and our fans. It’s a special feeling to do it with this group. We got to the same spot last year and fell short. We worked our tails off to get back here. This is going to be something I remember for the rest of my life.”
As the Pacers prepare to face the heavily favored Oklahoma City Thunder in the upcoming Finals, which commence on Thursday, they embrace their role as underdogs. The Pacers demonstrated resilience this season, overcoming an injury-riddled start and executing remarkable late-game comebacks throughout the postseason. In the tense series-clinching win over the Knicks, neither team led by more than six points in the first half. The pivotal moment came when star forward Pascal Siakam earned Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors by scoring a game-high 31 points, along with five rebounds and three assists.
Siakam, who joined the Pacers after winning a championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, opened the second half with a crucial three-pointer, propelling Indiana into a double-digit lead that they maintained for the remainder of the game. “I was super excited about coming to Indiana in the trade because of the pace,” Siakam expressed. “It fits who I am as a person and the way I play. We have a lot of underdogs. That’s my style. I like that.”
Haliburton’s strategic playmaking and the tenacious defense of guard Andrew Nembhard on Knicks star Jalen Brunson were instrumental in maintaining the Pacers' lead during the final moments of the game. Although Haliburton did not score in the first quarter, he ultimately found his rhythm, finishing with 21 points, 13 assists, and six rebounds. Nembhard, an unheralded second-round pick in 2022, contributed significantly with 14 points, eight assists, and six steals.
The Knicks struggled with 18 turnovers, which the Pacers converted into 34 points, undermining their chances for success. Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns led his team with 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Brunson managed 19 points on 8-for-18 shooting. “It hurts to not be able to bring an opportunity for a championship to the city,” Towns lamented, expressing hopes for a better outcome in the future.
The Pacers, recognized as the fastest team in the Eastern playoffs, showcased their speed and skill, particularly in the second half of the series-clinching game. Siakam capitalized on fast breaks, and Haliburton’s assist to Obi Toppin for a lob dunk solidified their victory. The home crowd erupted in cheers, with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark leading the support from courtside. Haliburton shared the moment with his father, John, who had previously been temporarily barred from attending games for taunting another player.
After the game, Haliburton celebrated with fans and even posed for photographs with rapper Rob 49, who had mentioned him in his song “What the Helly.” Pacers legends Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose were also present, soaking in the excitement as fans clamored for selfies. Veteran center Myles Turner reflected on his journey, describing the emotions of this moment as “pure excitement and validation.”
As the Pacers gear up for the Finals against the Thunder, Coach Rick Carlisle emphasized the challenge ahead. “We understand the magnitude of the opponent. Oklahoma City has been dominant all season long, with capital letters in the word DOMINANT,” he stated. Both teams are poised to make history, with the potential for either the Thunder or the Pacers to claim the title of NBA Champion for the first time in their franchise history.
With the anticipation building, fans and players alike are ready for a captivating Finals series, showcasing the talent, determination, and resilience of two teams that have defied expectations and captured the hearts of basketball enthusiasts across the nation.
