Knicks face Pacers again after heartbreaking last season's playoff defeat

In 2024, the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers faced off in the NBA Eastern Conference finals, reigniting a fierce rivalry that dates back to the 1990s. The Knicks entered the series with a solid regular season record of 51-31, securing the third seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Pacers, sitting fourth, finished at 50-32. This matchup marks the ninth playoff series between the two franchises, with the Pacers entering as the defending champions from the previous year when they eliminated the Knicks in the semifinals. Notably, last year's decisive Game 7 ended with a 21-point loss for New York at home, highlighting their recent struggles against Indiana. The stakes were high as the Knicks aimed for redemption after last year's heartbreaking exit. Health played a crucial role in this newfound determination, as the team welcomed back several key players who had missed last season's playoffs due to injuries, including Julius Randle. The Knicks' recent performance in the playoffs had been impressive, knocking out both Detroit and the defending champions, Boston Celtics, leading to their first conference finals appearance in 25 years. In contrast, Indiana showcased a dominant offensive display during their playoff run, needing only five games to eliminate both Milwaukee and the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, exhibiting a strong team dynamism without a single superstar. As the series commenced, the warm-up phase included discussions about key players such as Jalen Brunson from the Knicks and Tyrese Haliburton from the Pacers, both of whom had been pivotal in their teams' successes. The Knicks had faced the Pacers three times during the regular season, winning two of those matchups, which contributed to their confidence heading into the finals. In a lead-up to their showdown, coaches and players emphasized the importance of defensive communication, quick transitions, and maintaining a relentless pace to counter Indiana’s dynamic gameplay. Despite their earlier success against the Pacers, the history of these matchups loomed large in terms of expectations and rivalry. The narratives surrounding Reggie Miller's famous plays against the Knicks and the interactions with Spike Lee echoed through the years, adding pressure to both teams to perform admirably on such a significant stage. The series was poised to provide fans with a captivating battle steeped in history, setting the tone for an exciting Eastern Conference final.