Credited from: BBC
Pascal Siakam led the Indiana Pacers to a 125-108 victory against the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals, securing the Pacers' first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. Siakam scored 31 points and had three blocked shots, showcasing his prowess as he was named MVP of the series after an impressive overall performance, scoring over 30 points in three of the four victories. This final win solidified a series win for Indiana with a 4-2 record, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and BBC.
In addition to Siakam's exploits, Tyrese Haliburton played a pivotal role in the Pacers' success, recording a double-double with 21 points and 13 assists. His timely scoring and playmaking helped keep Indiana ahead after a close start to the game, allowing them to secure a significant lead going into the final quarter. Haliburton expressed pride in his team's resilience, stating, “It’s a special feeling to do it with this group,” reflecting on their determination to return to this stage after falling short last season, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and BBC.
The Pacers' defensive efforts were also crucial, as they forced the Knicks into committing 18 turnovers, which the Pacers capitalized on for a total of 34 points. This allowed Indiana to maintain momentum throughout the game. Despite solid performances from New York's OG Anunoby, who scored 24 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns with 22 points and 14 rebounds, the Knicks were unable to recover from their early shortcomings and eventual collapse in the third quarter, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and BBC.
As the series concluded, the Pacers will now look ahead to their matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, marking a significant moment for the franchise as they chase their first championship title. This final series is set to begin on Thursday, accentuating the high stakes following their successful run, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and BBC.