The Indiana Pacers pulled off a stunning upset in Game 7 against the New York Knicks, shooting a remarkable 67.1% from the field to secure a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite being 1-5 on the road in the playoffs leading up to the game, the Pacers came out strong from the start, hitting 16 of 21 shots in the first quarter to take a commanding lead. They continued their hot shooting in the first half, ending with a 15-point lead while shooting an impressive 76% from the field, the best mark in the playoffs in the last 25 years. Pacers’ stars Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam led the charge, with Haliburton scoring 26 points, including six three-pointers, and Siakam adding 20 points on efficient shooting.
The Knicks struggled to keep up with the Pacers, with top scorer Jalen Brunson having an off night, shooting 6 of 17 from the field for 17 points and suffering a fractured hand in the fourth quarter. Injuries continued to plague the Knicks, with Josh Hart and OG Anunoby playing through injuries but not contributing significantly. While Alec Burks provided strong bench scoring with 26 points, the Pacers’ depth was once again on display, with T.J. McConnell scoring 12 points and seven assists and Isaiah Jackson adding nine points. All five starters for the Pacers finished in double figures, with Aaron Nesmith, Myles Turner, and Andrew Nembhard contributing to the offensive onslaught.
Despite a strong performance by Donte DiVincenzo, who scored 39 points on 11 of 21 shooting, the Knicks were unable to close the gap as the Pacers maintained their offensive momentum. The Pacers’ success in Game 7 was a sharp turnaround from their Game 5 blowout at Madison Square Garden, with head coach Rick Carlisle calling the loss embarrassing. Indiana responded with a victory in Game 6 and carried that momentum into Game 7, delivering an incredible offensive performance that silenced the raucous Knicks crowd and secured their spot in the conference finals against the Boston Celtics. The Pacers hope to continue their playoff run against the Celtics, who defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games in their second-round series.
The Pacers’ hot shooting and strong performances from Haliburton and Siakam were instrumental in their Game 7 victory over the Knicks, providing a much-needed boost to secure their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite facing injuries throughout the postseason, the Knicks were unable to overcome the Pacers’ offensive firepower and depth, with the Pacers’ bench players stepping up to support the team’s starters. Donte DiVincenzo’s stellar performance for the Knicks was not enough to close the gap, as the Pacers maintained control of the game and secured a decisive victory on the road. Indiana’s ability to respond to adversity and bounce back from a tough loss in Game 5 showcased their resilience and determination to advance in the playoffs.
Heading into the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics, the Pacers will look to build on their Game 7 success and continue their strong play on both ends of the court. With key players like Haliburton and Siakam leading the charge, Indiana will aim to maintain their offensive efficiency and defensive intensity against a tough Celtics team. The Pacers’ depth and ability to respond to challenges will be critical as they face off against the Celtics in a high-stakes series that will determine who advances to the NBA Finals.Indiana will need to stay focused and disciplined to overcome the Celtics and propel themselves to a potential championship opportunity, but their Game 7 performance against the Knicks has shown that they have the talent and resilience to compete at the highest level in the playoffs.
