Last Updated:
Indiana Pacers, fueled by 31 points from Pascal Siakam, beat the New York Knicks 125-108 to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.
Indiana Pacers are through to the NBA final (AP)
The Indiana Pacers, led by 31 points from Pascal Siakam and a 21-point, 13-assist double-double from Tyrese Haliburton, defeated the New York Knicks 125-108 on Saturday to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.
A dominant third quarter propelled the Pacers to a comfortable lead after a closely contested first half, and they maintained their momentum in the fourth quarter to win the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals four games to two. This marks the second time in franchise history that the Pacers have reached the championship series, where they will seek their first title when the Finals begin in Oklahoma City on Thursday.
Despite a strong defensive performance in game five that kept their hopes alive, the Knicks could not force a game seven. The Knicks, who won NBA titles in 1970 and 1973, are still searching for their first Finals appearance since 1999.
Siakam, named the Most Valuable Player of the Eastern Conference finals, rebounded after a subpar performance in game five. “After a bad game five, we wanted to bounce back,” Siakam said. “And I have 100 percent belief in my teammates. Whenever we’re down, we always find a way — and we did that tonight.”
Haliburton overcame early shooting struggles to finish with 21 points and 13 assists. Seven Pacers players scored in double digits, including 18 points off the bench from Obi Toppin and 11 from reserve Thomas Bryant, as the Pacers’ bench outscored the Knicks’ reserves 38-20.
“I’m really proud of this group,” Haliburton said. “We had a tough showing last game as a group. We wanted to respond. We did a great job of that. I’m just so proud of this group and I don’t even have words right now.”
OG Anunoby led the Knicks with 24 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points and 14 rebounds, and Jalen Brunson contributed 19 points and seven assists. Indiana took a one-point lead after a fast-paced first quarter featuring five lead changes and never relinquished it, forcing New York into 18 turnovers that resulted in 34 points for the Pacers.
Haliburton, scoreless in the first quarter, scored eight points in the second, including a powerful dunk after a steal by teammate Andrew Nembhard, one of 10 first-half turnovers by New York. Nembhard later stole the ball from Brunson and assisted Siakam for a layup, extending Indiana’s lead to six points before Anunoby scored in the final second of the half, reducing the Knicks’ deficit to 58-54 at halftime.
The Pacers began the third quarter with a 9-0 run, extending their lead to 15 points, 78-63, punctuated by consecutive three-pointers from Nembhard and Bryant, energising the crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Although the Knicks quickly trimmed the deficit to seven, the Pacers pulled away again, leading 92-77 heading into the fourth quarter. Haliburton, who had just 10 points through the first three quarters, added 11 in the final period, sealing the victory for the Pacers.
(With inputs from AFP)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov… Read More
- Location :
Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)
- First Published: