The Indiana Pacers have secured their place in the NBA Finals.
On Saturday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana defeated the New York Knicks 125-108 in the sixth game of the Eastern Conference Finals.
This victory marks the Pacers` return to the NBA Finals after a 25-year absence. Their previous appearance was in 2000, also achieved by overcoming the Knicks in six games in the Eastern Finals.
Indiana showcased a balanced scoring attack, with seven players reaching double figures. Pascal Siakam led the team impressively with 31 points, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed 21 points and dished out 13 assists.
Siakam`s standout performance made him the first player in Pacers franchise history to achieve at least 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks in a game that clinched a series victory.
Throughout Game 6, Indiana successfully exploited New York`s vulnerabilities, particularly in handling the basketball and defending in transition. The Pacers dominated transition scoring 41-10 and capitalized significantly on turnovers, scoring 34 points off New York`s mistakes compared to only 13 points for the Knicks from turnovers.
For the New York Knicks, five players also scored in double digits, with OG Anunoby leading their scoring effort with 24 points.
Looking ahead, the Pacers are set to face NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, with the series scheduled to begin on Thursday.
