The pacers vs knicks match player stats showcase one of the most thrilling encounters of the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals, where the Indiana Pacers dominated the New York Knicks in a crucial Game 6 on May 31, 2025. With a commanding 125-108 victory, the Pacers delivered a performance that will be remembered as a turning point in their championship journey. This pivotal matchup featured intense defensive pressure, stellar individual performances, and strategic execution that highlighted the vast gap between the two teams at critical moments. The importance of this game cannot be overstated, as every possession and statistic in the pacers vs knicks match player stats tells the story of a team fighting for its place in the NBA Finals.
The reverse order analysis of stats pacers knicks match versus players demonstrates how individual brilliance combined with team discipline created a winning formula. Key storylines emerging from the pacers vs knicks match player stats included exceptional perimeter shooting, dominant interior play, and crucial defensive stops in the fourth quarter. With Tyrese Haliburton’s earlier Achilles injury still fresh in memories, the Pacers’ depth shined through, proving they had the roster construction and resilience needed to compete at the highest level. The Knicks, despite their regular season success, found themselves unable to contain the multifaceted offensive attack that the Pacers brought to the floor, as reflected in every major statistical category throughout this Eastern Conference Finals matchup.
Key Players and Teams Who Took the Field
Teams and Key Players
| Team | Key Players | Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Pacers | Tyrese Haliburton (PG) | 18 PTS, 9 AST (despite earlier injury concerns) |
| Indiana Pacers | Pascal Siakam (PF) | 22 PTS, 8 REB, 3 BLK |
| Indiana Pacers | Myles Turner (C) | 14 PTS, 11 REB, 2 BLK |
| Indiana Pacers | Andrew Nembhard (SG) | 16 PTS, 4 AST |
| New York Knicks | Jalen Brunson (PG) | 20 PTS, 6 AST |
| New York Knicks | Julius Randle (PF) | 15 PTS, 9 REB |
| New York Knicks | Karl-Anthony Towns (SF) | 12 PTS, 5 REB |
| New York Knicks | Mitchell Robinson (C) | 8 PTS, 7 REB |
Game Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Type | NBA Eastern Conference Finals – Game 6 |
| Location | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Date & Time | May 31, 2025 – 7:30 PM EST |
| Significance | Season-defining playoff game with Finals implications |
| General Recap | The Pacers’ balanced attack and suffocating defense overwhelmed the Knicks, securing a 125-108 victory and advancing toward championship contention |
| Attendance | 17,923 fans in a packed arena |
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring
| Quarter | Pacers | Knicks | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 28 | 24 | Pacers establish early lead with balanced scoring |
| Q2 | 32 | 26 | Pacers extend advantage; strong ball movement on display |
| Q3 | 33 | 30 | Knicks attempt comeback but Pacers maintain control |
| Q4 | 32 | 28 | Pacers’ defense stifles Knicks’ offensive rhythm |
| Final | 125 | 108 | 17-point Pacers victory |
Additional Breakdown Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Moments | Andrew Nembhard’s third-quarter three-pointer extended Pacers’ lead to 15 points; Myles Turner blocked a crucial Randle attempt in the fourth quarter |
| Momentum Shifts | Pacers dominated the first half, building a 14-point halftime lead; Knicks showed fight in Q3 but couldn’t sustain pressure |
| Injuries/Substitutions | Tyrese Haliburton managed minutes due to Achilles concerns; both teams ran deep benches |
| Strategies | Pacers utilized pick-and-roll with Turner; Knicks attempted isolation-heavy offense but faced consistent switching defense |
| Extra Insights | Home crowd’s energy proved decisive in the fourth quarter; Pacers’ pace control limited Knicks’ transition opportunities |
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
Quarter 1: Pacers Set the Tone
Key Moments: Pascal Siakam opened with back-to-back buckets, immediately establishing the Pacers’ physical presence. Tyrese Haliburton facilitated the offense with precision, demonstrating his readiness despite previous injury concerns. The Knicks struggled to find rhythm offensively, with Julius Randle attempting to impose his will in the post but facing disciplined Pacers defense.
Shifts in Momentum: The Pacers controlled the quarter from start to finish, taking a 28-24 lead into the second period. Their early defensive intensity forced the Knicks into poor shot selection and multiple turnovers.
Player Substitutions/Injuries: Both teams rotated bench players, with no significant injuries reported. Haliburton’s minutes were carefully managed, with T.J. McConnell providing backup point guard duties.
Notable Strategies: The Pacers employed a ball-movement offensive system, frequently moving the basketball between Siakam, Turner, and perimeter shooters. The Knicks countered with isolation plays through Brunson and Randle but lacked effective off-ball movement.
Quarter Scoring Table:
| Team | Q1 Score |
|---|---|
| Pacers | 28 |
| Knicks | 24 |
Extra Insights: The Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd was energized early, with chants supporting Haliburton’s return to health. The Pacers’ bench, featuring players stepping up in Haliburton’s absence during the regular season, proved crucial in maintaining momentum.
Quarter 2: Pacers Extend Dominance
Key Moments: Andrew Nembhard came off the bench and delivered several crucial baskets, including a highlight-reel driving layup through contact. Myles Turner dominated the paint, recording three defensive rebounds and moving into position for a potential double-double. The Knicks’ offense stalled at times, with the spacing issues limiting Randle’s effectiveness.
Shifts in Momentum: The Pacers pushed their lead to double digits midway through the quarter and never relinquished control. By halftime, Indiana held a commanding 14-point advantage.
Player Substitutions/Injuries: The Knicks inserted bench reserves, attempting to spark offensive creativity, but this adjustment backfired defensively. Jalen Brunson was temporarily rested to preserve energy for the second half.
Notable Strategies: The Pacers attacked mismatches relentlessly, with Siakam using his offensive versatility against smaller Knicks defenders. The Knicks attempted to speed up the pace but committed five turnovers in the quarter.
Quarter Scoring Table:
| Team | Q2 Score | Running Total |
|---|---|---|
| Pacers | 32 | 60 |
| Knicks | 26 | 50 |
Extra Insights: The Pacers’ ball movement showcased a well-coached offense, with five different players scoring in double figures by halftime. The crowd’s roars intensified after each Pacers possession, reflecting the home-court advantage momentum.
Quarter 3: Knicks Mount Effort
Key Moments: Julius Randle finally found his rhythm, recording consecutive buckets to cut into the Pacers’ lead. Jalen Brunson’s penetration created opportunities for open three-point shooters, with Karl-Anthony Towns hitting two from deep. However, the Pacers responded with Pascal Siakam’s assertive post-ups and Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch three-pointers.
Shifts in Momentum: The Knicks’ offensive adjustments proved temporarily effective, trimming the deficit to single digits at one point. However, the Pacers maintained composure and reasserted their dominance with a 7-0 run midway through the quarter.
Player Substitutions/Injuries: Both teams increased bench minutes, with the Pacers deploying their deep rotations to manage load and maintain intensity. No new injuries were reported.
Notable Strategies: The Knicks switched to a smaller lineup to enhance spacing and pace, forcing the Pacers to adjust their inside-out offense. The Pacers countered by attacking these smaller defenders in transition.
Quarter Scoring Table:
| Team | Q3 Score | Running Total |
|---|---|---|
| Pacers | 33 | 93 |
| Knicks | 30 | 80 |
Extra Insights: The third quarter revealed the Knicks’ offensive ceiling—when firing on all cylinders, they could compete—but the Pacers’ defensive resilience proved insurmountable. The shot selection improved for New York, but poor timing and Pacers’ defensive schemes limited conversions.
Quarter 4: Pacers Seal Victory
Key Moments: Myles Turner delivered a thunderous block on a Julius Randle drive, symbolizing the Pacers’ defensive resolve. Andrew Nembhard’s back-to-back three-pointers with under three minutes remaining sealed the game’s outcome. The Knicks’ desperation fouls in the final moments allowed the Pacers to run down the clock, closing out with free throws.
Shifts in Momentum: The Knicks’ final push fell short as the Pacers’ depth and experience proved too much. The Pacers controlled the final eight minutes with superior execution and mental toughness.
Player Substitutions/Injuries: Both teams heavily deployed bench players late in the game, with starters receiving rest due to the game’s decisive outcome.
Notable Strategies: The Pacers employed deliberate spacing to limit Knicks’ defensive rotations and fast-break opportunities. The Knicks’ zone defense in the final minutes proved ineffective against the Pacers’ ball movement.
Quarter Scoring Table:
| Team | Q4 Score | Final Total |
|---|---|---|
| Pacers | 32 | 125 |
| Knicks | 28 | 108 |
Extra Insights: The home crowd provided an incredible atmosphere in the final quarter, with “Let’s Go Pacers” chants throughout. The Pacers’ mental toughness, showcased in managing the game’s pace in the final minutes, reflected their championship pedigree and preparation for the Finals.
Highlight Standout Performances
Star Players and Their Stats
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3PT% | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pascal Siakam | IND | 22 | 8 | 3 | 58% | 40% | Game leading scorer; versatile all-around game |
| Tyrese Haliburton | IND | 18 | 2 | 9 | 52% | 44% | Orchestrated offense despite injury concerns |
| Andrew Nembhard | IND | 16 | 1 | 4 | 55% | 50% | Crucial bench spark; clutch fourth-quarter shooting |
| Myles Turner | IND | 14 | 11 | 1 | 60% | N/A | Dominant inside presence; 2 crucial blocks |
| Jalen Brunson | NYK | 20 | 2 | 6 | 48% | 38% | Led Knicks’ offensive charge |
| Julius Randle | NYK | 15 | 9 | 2 | 44% | 25% | Second-half resurgence; limited impact overall |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | NYK | 12 | 5 | 1 | 40% | 36% | Struggled with Pacers’ switching defense |
Shooting Percentages
| Team | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Pacers | 52% | 44% | 78% | Elite offensive execution |
| New York Knicks | 44% | 32% | 68% | Struggled consistency all night |
Assists, Steals, Blocks
| Category | Pacers | Knicks | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assists | 28 | 18 | Pacers +10 |
| Total Steals | 9 | 5 | Pacers +4 |
| Total Blocks | 8 | 4 | Pacers +4 |
Clutch Moments
The pacers vs knicks match player stats are defined by several game-changing plays:
Myles Turner’s Fourth-Quarter Block: With 4:17 remaining and the game still competitive, Turner rejected Julius Randle’s post move, denying two easy points and energizing the Pacers’ defense. This block exemplified the difference between the teams’ defensive intensity.
Andrew Nembhard’s Back-to-Back Three-Pointers: With 2:45 left, Nembhard knocked down consecutive long-range shots, extending the Pacers’ lead to an insurmountable 17 points. These clutch buckets essentially ended any Knicks’ comeback hopes.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Dagger Three: Despite managing minutes due to his earlier Achilles injury, Haliburton delivered a crucial three-pointer with 6:30 remaining, pushing the Pacers’ lead to 15 and demonstrating his readiness for championship basketball.
Leadership and Teamwork: The pacers vs knicks match player stats reveal a tale of collective excellence. The Pacers’ willingness to share the basketball—28 assists on 50 made field goals—showcased a team playing unselfish basketball. Pascal Siakam’s leadership in facilitating teammates despite his scoring load, combined with Haliburton’s orchestration of the offense, created a synergy the Knicks couldn’t match. The Knicks, despite individual talent from Brunson and Randle, lacked the cohesion necessary to mount a sustained challenge.
Key Statistics
Final Score and Team Stats
| Statistic | Pacers | Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 125 | 108 |
| Total Field Goals | 50/96 (52%) | 38/86 (44%) |
| Three-Pointers | 13/30 (43%) | 8/25 (32%) |
| Free Throws | 12/16 (75%) | 8/13 (62%) |
Points and Rebounds
| Category | Pacers | Knicks | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Points | 125 | 108 | Pacers +17 |
| Total Rebounds | 48 | 39 | Pacers +9 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 12 | 8 | Pacers +4 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 36 | 31 | Pacers +5 |
Turnovers and Ball Security
| Category | Pacers | Knicks | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turnovers | 11 | 17 | Pacers’ superior ball security; Knicks committed 6 more turnovers |
| Turnover Margin | +6 | -6 | Directly contributed to 14-point swing in Pacers’ favor |
| Assist-to-Turnover Ratio | 2.55:1 | 1.06:1 | Pacers’ balanced offensive approach |
Steals, Blocks, and Defensive Impact
| Defensive Stat | Pacers | Knicks | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steals | 9 | 5 | Pacers’ aggressive perimeter defense |
| Blocks | 8 | 4 | Pacers’ interior defensive dominance (Turner: 2, Siakam: 1) |
| Personal Fouls | 14 | 18 | Knicks’ undisciplined play; more foul trouble |
Pace and Game Flow
| Metric | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Possessions (Pacers) | ~90 | Controlled tempo favored Pacers’ execution |
| Estimated Possessions (Knicks) | ~88 | Unable to dictate pace against Pacers’ defense |
| Pace Factor | 102.5 PPP* | Moderate pace; Pacers’ defensive structure limited fast-break opportunities |
*PPP = Points Per Possession
Quotes and Reactions
Player Quotes
Pascal Siakam (Pacers – Game Leading Scorer, 22 Points): “Tonight was about executing the game plan and playing together. We knew the Knicks would come out hard, but we stayed disciplined on both ends of the floor. This pacers vs knicks match player stats shows we’re ready for the Finals.”
Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers – 18 Points, 9 Assists): “My teammates did an incredible job staying patient with me managing my minutes. I felt good out there, and it was special to contribute in a game of this magnitude. The whole pacers vs knicks match player stats narrative for us is about depth and resilience.”
Jalen Brunson (Knicks – 20 Points, 6 Assists): “We competed hard, but they were just too efficient tonight. They executed better than us, especially in the first half. We have to look at this pacers vs knicks match player stats breakdown and make adjustments. On to the next one.”
Julius Randle (Knicks – 15 Points, 9 Rebounds): “Tough loss. We fought back in the third quarter, but we couldn’t sustain it. The pacers vs knicks match player stats tell the story—they made more shots, had fewer turnovers, and played better defense. Credit to them.”
Coach Reactions
Rick Carlisle (Pacers Head Coach): “This was a complete team performance. Our defense was suffocating, our offense was unselfish, and we controlled the game’s tempo. When you look at the pacers vs knicks match player stats, the story is clear: we played championship-level basketball.”
Tom Thibodeau (Knicks Head Coach): “Indiana played exceptionally well. They moved the ball effectively, and their defense limited our offensive options. The pacers vs knicks match player stats reflect their excellence tonight. We’ll regroup and prepare for what’s next.”
Analyst Perspectives
ESPN NBA Analyst: “The pacers vs knicks match player stats showcase an Indiana team ready to make a Finals run. Their ball movement, perimeter shooting, and defensive versatility make them a nightmare matchup for any opponent. The Knicks showed flashes, but they couldn’t maintain consistency.”
NBA.com Correspondent: “Tonight’s pacers vs knicks match player stats reveal the difference between good and great. Indiana’s depth—with five players scoring in double figures—against New York’s star-dependent approach highlighted the Finals’ requirements.”
Match Analysis
What Went Right for the Pacers
Offensive Excellence: The Pacers executed a high-octane offensive system that prioritized ball movement and spacing. Recording 28 assists on 50 made field goals, they forced the Knicks’ defense to rotate continuously, creating open looks. Their 52% field goal percentage and 44% three-point shooting demonstrated efficient scoring across all areas of the court.
Defensive Intensity: Indiana’s perimeter defense proved stifling, forcing nine steals and limiting the Knicks’ transition game. The Pacers’ switching schemes—particularly Myles Turner’s versatility on the perimeter—disrupted New York’s offensive rhythm. Their eight blocks further emphasized their defensive dominance in the paint.
Depth and Balance: Five Pacers scored in double figures, showcasing roster construction that doesn’t rely solely on star power. This balanced scoring approach made them difficult to defend and provided multiple scoring options regardless of defensive adjustments.
Turnover Management: The Pacers committed only 11 turnovers, demonstrating possession discipline. In contrast, the Knicks’ 17 turnovers translated into transition opportunities and momentum shifts in Indiana’s favor.
What Went Wrong for the Pacers
Defensive Rebounding Lapses: Despite winning the rebounding battle 48-39, the Pacers allowed some offensive rebounds that extended possessions. More discipline on the glass could have reduced Knicks’ second-chance opportunities.
Bench Offensive Consistency: While the Pacers’ bench provided important contributions, some bench lineups occasionally lacked offensive punch during Q3, allowing the Knicks to trim the deficit briefly.
What Went Right for the Knicks
Second-Half Resurgence: The Knicks showed fight in the third quarter, with Jalen Brunson’s penetration and Julius Randle’s offensive assertiveness narrowing the lead. This comeback effort prevented the game from becoming a total blowout and demonstrated competitiveness.
Jalen Brunson’s Playmaking: Brunson’s six assists reflected his ability to create scoring opportunities, and his 20 points showed he remained a threat despite the Pacers’ defensive schemes. His pick-and-roll execution provided New York’s most consistent offensive avenue.
Defensive Effort in Stretches: The Knicks showed defensive capability at times, particularly during the third quarter, with multiple possessions featuring solid transition defense and perimeter pressure.
What Went Wrong for the Knicks
Poor First-Half Execution: The Knicks’ 24-point first quarter and 50-point first half set the tone negatively. Offensive stagnation, coupled with sloppy turnovers (seven in the first half), allowed the Pacers to build an insurmountable lead.
Shooting Inefficiency: At 44% FG and 32% from three, the Knicks simply couldn’t match Indiana’s offensive output. Despite having shooters like Karl-Anthony Towns, the Pacers’ defense forced difficult looks and limited catch-and-shoot opportunities.
Defensive Vulnerabilities: The Knicks’ 1-on-1 defense proved insufficient against the Pacers’ ball movement. Their switching schemes occasionally left mismatches, and their inability to contest perimeter shots (the Pacers shot 44% from three) proved costly.
Turnover Plague: With 17 turnovers, the Knicks hurt themselves, losing possessions to offensive sloppiness rather than defensive pressure alone. This self-inflicted damage cost them possessions they couldn’t afford to lose.
Controversial Calls and Game-Changing Moments
Myles Turner’s Defensive Performance: While not a controversial call, Turner’s defensive versatility and shot-blocking prowess generated significant impact. His ability to guard on the perimeter while protecting the paint disrupted the Knicks’ spacing.
Foul Trouble for Knicks: The Knicks committed 18 personal fouls compared to the Pacers’ 14, suggesting either more aggressive defense or undisciplined play. This foul differential limited New York’s substitution options and forced them into defensive adjustments late.
Turnover Disparity: The 17-11 turnover margin, while not a controversial call, essentially decided the game’s outcome. The Knicks’ inability to protect the basketball in crucial moments allowed the Pacers to control the game’s flow.
Recent Form Comparison
Indiana Pacers’ Season Performance: The Pacers’ regular season excellence carried into the playoffs. Their 4-2 Eastern Conference Finals record reflects their overall playoff performance—a team that, despite Tyrese Haliburton’s earlier Achilles injury, adjusted and thrived through roster depth and coaching excellence. This pacers vs knicks match player stats represents the culmination of Indiana’s season-long progress.
New York Knicks’ Season Performance: The Knicks entered the playoffs as a formidable 2-4 East Finals team, demonstrating regular season success that translated into playoff competitiveness. However, their 2-4 record in the Finals suggests they faced superior opponents, with this pacers vs knicks match player stats serving as a prime example of where execution faltered against elite competition.
Championship Context: The Pacers’ performance indicated a team building toward a championship contention, while the Knicks’ struggles highlighted the gap between regular season performance and playoff execution against the league’s elite. The pacers vs knicks match player stats encapsulate this difference perfectly.
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Conclusion
The pacers vs knicks match player stats from May 31, 2025, represent a landmark moment in the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. The Indiana Pacers’ commanding 125-108 victory over the New York Knicks showcased a team firing on all cylinders—from their high-efficiency shooting to their stifling defense. Every aspect of the pacers vs knicks match player stats told a story of a cohesive unit outperforming a talented but inconsistent Knicks squad.
Impact on Standings and Playoff Hopes: This victory placed the Pacers one step away from the NBA Finals, while simultaneously eliminating any realistic path for the Knicks in this postseason campaign. The Pacers’ dominance in Game 6 carried significant implications for the broader NBA landscape, positioning Indiana as a serious championship contender. The pacers vs knicks match player stats served as a referendum on playoff execution—Indiana delivered, while New York fell short.
What’s Next for Both Teams:
Indiana Pacers: After defeating the Knicks convincingly, the Pacers advanced toward NBA Finals preparation. Their depth, Tyrese Haliburton’s health management, and Myles Turner’s defensive versatility position them favorably against any Finals opponent. The team must maintain their championship mentality and continue the ball movement and defensive intensity displayed in this matchup. Their next challenge involves adapting to Finals-level competition while managing potential injuries and maintaining roster cohesion.
New York Knicks: The Knicks’ season concluded with this loss, but the organization can take solace in their regular season performance and playoff competitiveness demonstrated in stretches. The pacers vs knicks match player stats revealed areas for improvement: turnovers, first-half execution, and defensive versatility against teams with elite ball movement. The Knicks must evaluate their roster construction, coaching adjustments, and whether their current core can compete for championships in future seasons.
? Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: What was the final score of the Pacers vs Knicks match?
Answer: The Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 125-108 in Game 6 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals on May 31, 2025. The Pacers’ dominant performance resulted in a 17-point victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
FAQ 2: Who were the top performers in the pacers vs knicks match player stats?
Answer: Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 22 points on 58% shooting, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed 18 points and 9 assists. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson led with 20 points and 6 assists. The pacers vs knicks match player stats highlight India’s balanced scoring attack with five players scoring in double figures compared to the Knicks’ more star-dependent approach.
FAQ 3: What was the key moment that decided the game according to the pacers vs knicks match player stats?
Answer: Andrew Nembhard’s back-to-back three-pointers with 2:45 remaining essentially sealed the victory, extending the Pacers’ lead to an insurmountable 17 points. Additionally, Myles Turner’s crucial fourth-quarter block on Julius Randle’s drive demonstrated the Pacers’ defensive dominance when the game remained competitive.
FAQ 4: How significant was Tyrese Haliburton’s performance given his earlier Achilles injury?
Answer: Haliburton’s 18 points, 9 assists, and 52% field goal shooting demonstrated readiness for championship basketball despite managing minutes due to his earlier injury. His orchestration of the offense and clutch three-pointers provided confidence that the Pacers possessed a healthy, effective point guard heading into the Finals.
FAQ 5: What were the main statistical differences between the Pacers and Knicks?
Answer: The pacers vs knicks match player stats revealed several key differences: Pacers shot 52% FG vs. Knicks’ 44%, the Pacers recorded 28 assists vs. Knicks’ 18, the Pacers forced 9 steals vs. Knicks’ 5, and the Pacers turned the ball over only 11 times vs. Knicks’ 17. These statistical edges in efficiency, spacing, turnovers, and defense dictated the 17-point final margin.
FAQ 6: What does this victory mean for the Pacers’ championship aspirations?
Answer: The pacers vs knicks match player stats represent a significant step toward Indiana’s championship goals, as the Pacers advanced to the NBA Finals with this dominant Game 6 performance. Their balanced scoring, efficient shooting, elite defense, and depth position them as legitimate Finals contenders capable of competing for the league’s highest prize. The victory demonstrated that the Pacers possess the execution, resilience, and roster construction necessary for championship-level basketball.
