Pacers Seize Control of Eastern Conference Finals with Commanding 2-0 Lead over Knicks
Pacers Surge Ahead with Unstoppable Playoff Run
No one really expected the Indiana Pacers to look this unstoppable heading into the heart of the NBA playoffs. But here they are: up 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks, knocking the wind out of Madison Square Garden with poise and fire. This isn't the Pacers team from past years that stumbled just before the finish line. They've rattled off win after win, especially on the road, and now they're just two games away from their first NBA Finals since 2000.
If you saw Game 2, you probably did a double-take every time Pascal Siakam touched the ball. He didn’t just have a good game—he had the best playoff performance of his career, dropping 39 points and making it look effortless at times. Siakam’s versatility has been a nightmare for the Knicks, as he repeatedly found gaps in the defense, hit tough jumpers, and bullied his way to the rim.
What really sets these Pacers apart isn’t just one guy going off. Tyrese Haliburton has become the backbone of the team. In Game 2, he filled up the stat sheet with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists, making sure the offense flowed and everyone got touches. His pace and vision are giving the Knicks headaches, and you can see his confidence growing with every possession.
The road to this point wasn’t smooth. Just look at Game 1. Indiana was down by double digits in the second half, but their resilience was on full display. That game went down to the wire, into a wild overtime, where Indiana came out with a tough 138-135 win. It set the tone: every time you count the Pacers out, they punch back even harder. That win didn't just flip homecourt advantage. It sent a message that the Pacers are not just happy to be here—they're hungry.
New York Stumbles and Pacers Smell the Finals
Jalen Brunson has done everything he can for the Knicks. In Game 2, he poured in 36 points and handed out 11 assists. But so far, it hasn’t been enough. The rest of the New York roster is searching for answers, particularly when it comes to matching Indiana’s fierce defense and quick hands. Their game plan worked well in spurts, but each time the Knicks started gaining momentum, the Pacers answered back, shutting down the crowd’s energy.
The real concern for New York is the depth issue. Players like Myles Turner have stepped up defensively for Indiana, but on the Knicks side, outside of Brunson, no one has been able to consistently fill the scoring gap. If they can’t find more offense—and fast—this could be a short series.
The Pacers have built themselves a reputation for gritty defense, but this postseason, it’s their road-warrior mentality that stands out. Winning five out of six road playoff games is no accident. There’s a new attitude brewing in the Indiana locker room: they’re not settling for small victories, players are openly talking about being 'greedy'—not just making the Finals, but taking it all.
As Game 3 approaches on May 25, the whole basketball world is watching to see if the Pacers can keep riding this momentum or if the Knicks can finally throw a wrench in Indiana’s plans. One thing is clear: the Pacers aren’t just the underdog story anymore—they’re out to prove they belong on the biggest stage.