Pacers new kings in east, end 25-year finals drought

Pacers new kings in east, end 25-year finals drought
SLAM IT HOME, TYRESE. Indiana’s All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton goes for a dunk against New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Indianapolis. / Indiana Pacers Facebook Page
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THE Indiana Pacers punched their ticket to the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals for only the second time in franchise history, and the first since 2000, thanks to a clutch Game 6 win over the New York Knicks, 125-108, on Sunday, June 1, 2025 (PH time).

Behind a powerful performance from Pascal Siakam, who poured in 31 points, and Tyrese Haliburton, who delivered 11 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, the Pacers secured a 4-2 series win.

The monumental win sets up a long-awaited return to the league’s biggest stage — 25 years since their last Finals appearance. The championship series against the Oklahoma City Thunder will begin on Friday, June 6 (PH time).

“Pascal and Tyrese put us on their backs and made sure we would not lose,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle told an emotional, gold-clad home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. “But our work has just begun.”

Siakam’s dominant play throughout the series earned him the Larry Bird Trophy as the Eastern Conference Finals MVP — a fitting honor considering Bird remains the only other coach to lead the Pacers to the Finals.

Haliburton added 13 assists, while Obi Toppin chipped in 18 points and 6 rebounds against his former team. Indiana’s stifling defense also proved too much for New York, forcing 17 turnovers and never letting the Knicks find a rhythm.

New York got 24 points from OG Anunoby, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Jalen Brunson contributed 19 points, but even their combined effort wasn’t enough to fend off Indiana’s aggressive play. / RSC

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