Thanks to another historic and stellar game from Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers are just one win away from finally reaching the NBA Finals again, something they have failed to do in the past 25 years.
After falling short in the 2000 Finals against the Lakers’ Kobe-Shaq duo, the Pacers haven’t had the chance to run it back again in the next quarter of a century. Since 2001, despite varying star-studded rosters spreading across two decades, the Indiana Pacers have only ever reached the Eastern Conference Finals.
After beating the bigger fish (i.e., the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers), they now have the chance to return to the biggest stage in the NBA after going 3-1 against another higher-seed team–the New York Knicks.
Haliburton Putting Another Historic Playoff Performance, Joins an Elite Company of NBA Players in Game 4
Tyrese Haliburton showcased another superstar-esque night after leading the Pacers to a victory with 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds. The star point guard’s 30+ point, 15+ assist, and 10+ rebound triple-double stat line has only been achieved three times in playoff history. First, Oscar Robertson achieved a similar feat in the 1962 and 1964 playoffs, respectively. The most recent one was when Nikola Jokic did the same in 2023.
What’s even more impressive is that Hali shot 5-of-12 from the three, got 4 steals, and didn’t even accrue a single turnover through 38 minutes of play en route to the Pacers’ 130-121 win.
The Pacers’ Depth Isn’t Something to be Taken Lightly
Although Haliburton fired from all cylinders in game 4, his teammates were no slouches either. Pascal Siakam had a field day toying with the Knicks’ defense and put up a 30-piece on 11-of-21 shooting. Meanwhile, Bennedict Mathurin ignited and scored 20 of the bench’s 36 points.
The Knicks Face Elimination
After a surprising victory in the semifinals against the Boston Celtics, fans of the New York Knicks have been feeling optimistic about this year’s playoffs. Just like the Pacers, they’re also hoping to return to the Finals again after two and a half decades of drought. Unfortunately, one more loss and they’ll be sent packing. What’s even worse is that game 5 will be on Madison Square Garden.
Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges have been impressive throughout the playoffs, but coaching strategy mishaps and defensive lapses may just have cost them a championship. The Knicks have already overachieved in the postseason, but this may just well be their last stop—getting eliminated by a well-rounded Indiana Pacers team.
