Pacers vs Knicks: A Rivalry Forged in Playoff Fire
- Introduction: The Enduring Saga of Pacers vs Knicks
- A History Forged in Hardwood Battles
- Reggie Miller vs. Spike Lee: The Iconic Sideshow
- Classic Playoff Moments: More Than Just Miller Time
- A New Chapter: Modern Pacers-Knicks Encounters
- Stars of the Rivalry: From Ewing and Miller to Brunson and Haliburton
- Pacers vs Knicks: Why This Rivalry Still Matters
The Pacers vs Knicks rivalry is among the most intense and storied in NBA history. As someone who’s followed the league for decades, I can tell you there’s a unique kind of energy whenever these two teams face off. It’s a rivalry built on hard-nosed basketball, unforgettable playoff battles, and iconic individual matchups that have etched themselves into the minds of basketball fans. From the physical grind of the 90s to the high-octane offense we see today, the clashes between these two Eastern Conference foes consistently deliver drama.
This isn’t just about regular season games; the true heart of the Pacers vs Knicks rivalry lies in their numerous playoff encounters. They’ve met nine times in the postseason since 1993, including four times in the Eastern Conference Finals. These series have been pivotal moments for both franchises, often serving as a stepping stone (or a painful roadblock) on the path to championship contention. The intensity on the court is often mirrored by the passion in the stands, particularly at Madison Square Garden, creating an atmosphere that few other matchups can replicate.
A History Forged in Hardwood Battles
The roots of the New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers rivalry stretch back to 1977, but it truly exploded in the 1990s. This era was defined by a rugged, defensive style of play that perfectly suited the personalities of the teams involved. The Knicks, under the demanding Pat Riley, were known for their physical defense and reliance on their superstar center, Patrick Ewing. The Pacers, led by the sharp-shooting and equally sharp-tongued Reggie Miller, offered a dynamic offensive counterpoint.
Their playoff meetings became an annual tradition for a stretch, fueling the animosity. Between 1993 and 2000, they met in the playoffs six times. Think about that – six times in eight years! It’s no wonder the bad blood ran deep. My personal memory of this era is the sheer intensity of every possession; nothing came easy. Every screen, every rebound, every drive to the basket felt like a war.
The all-time regular season series is close, with the Knicks holding a slight edge. However, the playoff record favors the Pacers. This suggests that when the stakes are highest, Indiana has historically found a way to get the job done against their New York counterparts. It’s a fascinating dynamic that adds another layer to the narrative of this compelling matchup.
Reggie Miller vs. Spike Lee: The Iconic Sideshow
You can’t talk about the Pacers vs Knicks rivalry without mentioning Reggie Miller and Spike Lee. Their courtside jousting was as much a part of the theater as the game itself. Miller, the ultimate villain in the eyes of Knicks fans, seemed to thrive on the hostile environment of Madison Square Garden, and his exchanges with the legendary film director became the stuff of NBA legend.
The most famous incident, of course, is the “choke” gesture. In Game 5 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals, Miller erupted for 25 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Pacers to a stunning comeback victory. As the Garden faithful watched in disbelief, Miller famously clutched his neck in a choking motion towards Lee. It was pure, unadulterated theater and perfectly encapsulated the heated nature of the rivalry.
While that moment is iconic, their interactions were constant. Lee would heckle from his seat, and Miller would often respond with clutch shots and defiant stares. It was a captivating narrative thread that ran through their playoff series and elevated the rivalry beyond just the players on the court. As a fan watching at home, you almost felt like you were part of their personal battle.
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Classic Playoff Moments: More Than Just Miller Time
While Reggie Miller provided many indelible moments, the Pacers vs Knicks playoff history is rich with other classic performances and dramatic finishes. We’re talking about games and series that are replayed and discussed by NBA fans to this day. These weren’t just games; they were events.
Who could forget Miller’s incredible 8 points in 9 seconds in Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals? Trailing by six with under 20 seconds left, Miller hit a three, stole the inbound pass, hit another three to tie, and then hit two free throws to win the game. It was an almost unbelievable sequence that left Knicks fans stunned and Pacers fans euphoric.
Then there was Larry Johnson’s four-point play in Game 3 of the 1999 Eastern Conference Finals. With the Knicks trailing by three in the final seconds, Johnson hit a three-pointer while being fouled and then sank the free throw to give New York a dramatic one-point victory. It was a pivotal moment in that series and a highlight of the Knicks’ improbable run to the NBA Finals as an 8th seed.
These moments, and many others, highlight the back-and-forth nature of the rivalry and the sheer will to win displayed by both teams. They illustrate why Pacers vs Knicks games, especially in the playoffs, were appointment viewing for any basketball enthusiast.
A New Chapter: Modern Pacers-Knicks Encounters
After the intensity of the 90s and early 2000s, the rivalry went through a quieter period. However, in recent years, the Pacers vs Knicks matchup has seen a resurgence, particularly in the playoffs. They met in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2013 and again in 2024. While the key players have changed, the competitive spirit remains.
The 2013 series featured stars like Carmelo Anthony for the Knicks and Paul George for the Pacers. Indiana ultimately won that series in six games.
More recently, the 2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals brought the teams together in a thrilling seven-game series. Despite injuries to key Knicks players like Julius Randle and OG Anunoby, New York pushed the Pacers to the limit. The series culminated in a historic Game 7 performance by the Pacers, who shot an NBA playoff record 67.1% from the field in their decisive victory at Madison Square Garden. Tyrese Haliburton, the new face of the Pacers, even paid homage to the rivalry’s history by wearing a Reggie Miller “choke” sign sweatshirt after the Game 7 win.
The 2025 Eastern Conference Finals saw another chapter added to this storied rivalry, with the Pacers once again facing off against the Knicks. This marked the second straight year they met in the postseason. The Pacers ultimately defeated the Knicks in six games to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. Key players in this recent series included Jalen Brunson for the Knicks and Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam for the Pacers. Siakam was named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP.
Stars of the Rivalry: From Ewing and Miller to Brunson and Haliburton
Every great rivalry is defined by the players who embody its competitive spirit. For the Pacers vs Knicks, that list is long and distinguished.
In the 90s, it was undoubtedly Patrick Ewing for the Knicks and Reggie Miller for the Pacers. Ewing was the powerful center, the anchor of the Knicks’ defense and offense, a stoic figure who carried the weight of the franchise. Miller was the flamboyant, clutch-shooting guard, the “Knick-Killer” who relished playing the villain.
Other key players from that era included John Starks, Charles Oakley, and Anthony Mason for the Knicks, and Rik Smits, Derrick McKey, and Mark Jackson for the Pacers.
In the more recent iterations, new stars have emerged to carry the torch. Jalen Brunson has become the heart and soul of the modern Knicks team, an undersized guard with immense scoring and playmaking ability who plays with the grit reminiscent of past Knicks legends. For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton is the dynamic point guard whose speed, passing, and clutch shooting make him a difficult cover. Pascal Siakam, acquired by the Pacers in 2024, also played a significant role in their recent playoff success against New York.
Comparing eras is always fun, and while the style of play has evolved, the intensity brought by the star players in the Pacers vs Knicks rivalry remains a constant. My take is that while the 90s had a certain rugged charm, the modern game’s pace and offensive firepower bring a different kind of excitement to this matchup.
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Pacers vs Knicks: Why This Rivalry Still Matters
The Pacers vs Knicks rivalry continues to be a compelling narrative in the NBA. It’s a blend of historical animosity, unforgettable moments, and a competitive balance that makes every game feel important. As we’ve seen with the recent playoff series, this rivalry is far from over and continues to produce must-watch basketball. The history of Pacers vs Knicks games reminds us of the power of long-standing rivalries in sports and the drama they bring.
Whether you’re a long-time fan who remembers the Miller-Lee battles or a new observer witnessing the duels between Brunson and Haliburton, the clashes between these two teams offer a rich tapestry of NBA history and excitement. The intensity, the clutch performances, and the passionate fan bases ensure that Pacers vs Knicks will remain a highlight on the NBA calendar for years to come.