In a thrilling 125-108 victory over the New York Knicks, Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton led the Indiana Pacers to their first trip to the NBA Finals in 21 years. Siakam's 31 points and Haliburton's clutch 21-point performance in the fourth quarter propelled the Pacers to a 4-2 series win, sending the gold-clad crowd into a frenzy at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers' relentless ball pressure forced the Knicks into 17 turnovers, securing their spot in the championship series against the favored Oklahoma City Thunder.
Siakam was named the Eastern Conference finals MVP, narrowly beating out Haliburton in the voting, as the Pacers celebrated their second ever Finals appearance in franchise history. Despite their underdog status heading into the Finals, coach Rick Carlisle emphasized that their work has just begun, highlighting the team's determination and resilience as they gear up to face the Thunder. With iconic moments like Reggie Miller presenting the Bob Cousy Trophy and a stellar performance from the Pacers' stars, the stage is set for an epic showdown in the NBA Finals, promising fans an electrifying battle between two powerhouse teams.