Indiana Pacers win Eastern Conference to progress to first NBA Finals in 25 years

Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates with the Bob Cousy Trophy. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton led the Indiana Pacers to victory. They won 125-108 against the New York Knicks on Saturday night. This win secured a 4-2 series victory. It also marked their first trip to the NBA Finals since 2000.

This is only the second time in franchise history they will compete for the championship. The Finals begin Thursday in Oklahoma City. Coach Rick Carlisle praised Siakam and Haliburton after the game. He said, “They put us on their backs and made sure we would not lose.” He added, “But our work has just begun.”

Siakam received the Larry Bird Trophy as Eastern Conference finals MVP. Bird is the only other coach to lead the Pacers to the Finals.

Haliburton contributed significantly with 13 assists. Obi Toppin scored 18 points and grabbed six rebounds against his former team.

OG Anunoby led the Knicks with 24 points. Karl-Anthony Towns added 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson scored 19 points. The Pacers' strong ball pressure forced New York into 17 turnovers.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau commented on their performance. He noted, “There were stretches where we played very good defense.” He also mentioned that turnovers impacted their game negatively, saying it was likely a combination of both issues.