The Indiana Pacers punched their ticket to the 2025 NBA Finals with a commanding 125-108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. This win marked the Pacers’ first Finals appearance since 2000, showcasing their high-octane offense and relentless transition game. Meanwhile, the Knicks’ season ended in disappointment, unable to overcome their turnovers and defensive lapses. Let’s break down the winners and losers from this pivotal Game 6 showdown, with insights into the performances that shaped the outcome.
Winners
Pascal Siakam: The Eastern Conference Finals MVP
Pascal Siakam was the undisputed star of Game 6, dropping 31 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including four transition layups that epitomized Indiana’s fast-break dominance. His ability to capitalize on the Knicks’ defensive breakdowns, especially in the third quarter, earned him the Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors. Siakam’s versatility—scoring in the paint, hitting mid-range jumpers, and anchoring the defense with three blocks—proved why he’s the Pacers’ cornerstone. His leadership and poise under pressure set the stage for Indiana’s Finals matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Indiana’s Ball Movement and Depth
The Pacers’ offense was a symphony of speed and precision, with seven players scoring in double figures, including all five starters. Their 25-10 edge in fast-break points and 34 points off 18 Knicks turnovers highlighted their ability to turn defense into offense. Tyrese Haliburton, despite a quiet first half, erupted for 11 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, dishing out 13 assists to keep the Knicks’ defense scrambling. Role players like Obi Toppin (18 points) and Thomas Bryant (11 points, including two clutch 3s) stepped up, showcasing Indiana’s depth. This collective effort overwhelmed New York’s short rotation, proving the Pacers are more than just their stars.
Andrew Nembhard’s Defensive Tenacity
While his offensive output was modest, Andrew Nembhard’s defensive assignment on Jalen Brunson was a game-changer. Tasked with guarding the Knicks’ star point guard, Nembhard hounded Brunson for 90 feet, forcing him into a 4-of-10 first half and five turnovers overall. Nembhard’s six steals disrupted New York’s rhythm, leading to easy transition buckets for Indiana. His defensive intensity, especially in the absence of an injured Aaron Nesmith, was a testament to the Pacers’ commitment to stopping the Knicks’ offensive engine.
Losers
New York Knicks’ Turnover Woes
The Knicks’ 18 turnovers, which led to 34 Pacers points, were their Achilles’ heel in Game 6. Careless passes and poor ball-handling under Indiana’s swarming pressure gifted the Pacers easy scoring opportunities. Jalen Brunson, typically a steady hand, contributed five turnovers, while Karl-Anthony Towns struggled to protect the ball against Indiana’s pick-and-roll attacks. New York’s inability to adjust to the Pacers’ tempo, especially in the second half, exposed their lack of discipline and fatigue, costing them a chance to force a Game 7.
Jalen Brunson’s Struggles Under Pressure
Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ offensive linchpin, had a subpar Game 6, finishing with 19 points on 8-of-18 shooting. Facing relentless defensive pressure from Nembhard, Brunson shot poorly in the first half (4-of-10) and couldn’t find his rhythm until it was too late. His five turnovers and inability to counter Indiana’s defensive schemes underscored the Knicks’ reliance on his scoring. While Brunson’s 32-point heroics in Game 5 kept New York alive, his Game 6 performance fell short of the superstar effort needed to extend the series.
Knicks’ Perimeter Defense
New York’s defense collapsed on the perimeter, allowing the Pacers to shoot a blistering 17-of-33 (51.5%) from beyond the arc. Karl-Anthony Towns, in particular, was exploited in pick-and-roll situations, often going under screens and failing to close out on shooters. The Knicks’ 9-of-32 (28.1%) shooting from three only widened the gap, as Indiana’s 24-point advantage from deep proved insurmountable. New York’s lax approach to defending the arc, combined with their inability to match Indiana’s energy, sealed their fate in this elimination game.
Key Takeaways
The Pacers’ Game 6 victory was a masterclass in pace, depth, and defensive opportunism. Pascal Siakam’s superstar performance, coupled with Indiana’s relentless transition game and balanced scoring, overwhelmed a Knicks team plagued by turnovers and defensive miscues. As the Pacers head to the NBA Finals to face the Thunder, their ability to sustain this high-octane style will be tested. For the Knicks, this loss highlights the need for better ball security and perimeter defense if they hope to return to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2026.
What did you think of Game 6? Share your thoughts on the Pacers’ Finals chances or the Knicks’ offseason priorities in the comments below!
Sources: USA Today, ESPN, The Athletic