The Indiana Pacers have officially secured their spot in the 2025 NBA Finals! On Saturday, May 31, 2025, the Pacers triumphed over the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals, winning 125-108.
This victory marks the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, a year when legendary players like Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose led the team under coach Larry Bird. Now, after a dominant performance, the Pacers are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in what promises to be an exciting championship series.
Game 6 Domination: Pacers Seal the Series
The decisive Game 6 saw the Pacers deliver an exceptional performance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Strategic Mindset and Offensive Prowess
The Indiana team arrived at their home arena dressed entirely in black. This was a clear stylistic jab at the Knicks, who had adopted a similar all-black attire last year. The Pacers effectively fulfilled their symbolic “funeral” promise for the Knicks’ playoff hopes. Indiana showcased incredible shooting accuracy, sinking 17 of 33 three-point attempts, achieving an impressive 51.5% from beyond the arc.
They also capitalized on nearly every Knicks’ misstep, converting 17 turnovers into a remarkable 34 points.
An Explosive Third Quarter
The Pacers’ offense once again demonstrated its well-oiled efficiency, a hallmark of their postseason run. They had already outraced formidable opponents like the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers. While their epic comebacks have been memorable, it is the Pacers’ innate ability to explode offensively at any moment that truly sets them apart.
This explosive capability was on full display in the third quarter of Game 6. The team quickly built a commanding 16-point lead, which they never relinquished, cruising to victory.
Key Player Performances
Several Pacers players delivered standout performances in the series-clinching game.
Siakam Leads the Charge
Pascal Siakam was the leading scorer for the Pacers, pouring in 31 points on an efficient 10-of-18 shooting from the field. He also contributed significantly with five rebounds and three assists. Tyrese Haliburton, despite a slow start in the first quarter, quickly found his rhythm. He finished the game with 21 points and an impressive 13 assists, showcasing his playmaking prowess.
The team’s biggest two-way impact came from Andrew Nembhard, who posted 14 points, 8 assists, and 6 steals, demonstrating his versatility on both ends of the court. For the Knicks, OG Anunoby led his team with 24 points in a losing effort.
NBA Finals Outlook: Pacers vs. Thunder
The stage is now set for the 2025 NBA Finals, featuring the Indiana Pacers against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Betting Odds Favor Thunder
Despite the Pacers’ impressive run through the Eastern Conference, sportsbooks are heavily favoring the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder opened as -800 favorites (meaning a $800 bet would win $100) at BetMGM to secure their first championship title in Oklahoma City. This indicates a significant perceived advantage for the Western Conference champions.
Finals Schedule
The full schedule for the NBA Finals has been announced:
- Game 1: Indiana at Oklahoma City, June 5 (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
- Game 2: Indiana at Oklahoma City, June 8 (8:00 p.m. ET)
- Game 3: Oklahoma City at Indiana, June 11 (8:30 p.m. ET)
- Game 4: Oklahoma City at Indiana, June 13 (8:30 p.m. ET)
- Game 5: Indiana at Oklahoma City, June 16 (8:30 p.m. ET)*
- Game 6: Oklahoma City at Indiana, June 19 (8:30 p.m. ET)*
- Game 7: Indiana at Oklahoma City, June 22 (8:00 p.m. ET)* * = if necessary
Postseason Accolades and Injury Concerns
Individual honors were also distributed following the Eastern Conference finals, and injury concerns emerged for the Pacers.
Siakam Named East Finals MVP
While Tyrese Haliburton has emerged as a breakout star this postseason, it was Pascal Siakam who was named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP after Game 6. He edged out Haliburton in the voting, securing five votes to Haliburton’s four.
Siakam proved instrumental in the Pacers’ series wins, particularly shining in Games 2, 4, and 6, following their incredible comeback victory in Game 1. The Pacers had acquired Siakam in a blockbuster trade with the Toronto Raptors in January 2024, hoping his star power and postseason experience would solidify their championship core. So far, the trade has clearly paid off.
Injury Watch for Pacers
The Pacers’ journey to the NBA Finals wasn’t without its physical toll. In the fourth quarter of Game 6, both Jarace Walker and Aaron Nesmith left the game due to injuries. Walker needed assistance to the locker room after what appeared to be a severe ankle sprain. Nesmith followed minutes later after an unfortunate collision with Karl-Anthony Towns.
Nesmith’s potential absence for Game 1 of the Finals would be a significant blow, as he has been a pivotal player and a breakout star in the Pacers’ starting lineup this postseason, particularly with his heroic performance in Game 1 of the conference finals. Fortunately, both Nesmith and Walker now have five days of rest before the Finals begin, offering a crucial window for recovery.
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