It is about 11 p.m. at night. You just got off work at a shoe store in New York City. Everything seems so quiet at first, but then the noise heightens. The chants turn from echoes to reality — and now you see a landscape of pedestrians wearing blue and orange gather around. It’s almost as if you are looking at a disheveled garden. Enter the vocals of the crowd screaming, “Go New York, Go!” — all in unison. People swinging from traffic lights, waving a sports flag, sitting comfortably on top of a projector cause you to investigate. Better yet, your phone notifications blow up and it says, “New York Knicks in 6.”
That “dream” was real. After 25 years, the New York Knicks advance to the Eastern Conference finals. The vibes are all high and dandy but one team stands in their way — the Indiana Pacers. The Knicks’ 2000 conference finals appearance ended in a crushing Game 6 loss to the Pacers. At the time, Patrick Ewing and Reggie Miller were the representatives of the rivalry, and boy were they competitive. The teams recently faced each other in the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals, where the Pacers once again prevailed in 7. So, what’s next? Who’s who and what’s what? This time it’s not a battle of titans but a battle of the pure point guards.
Jalen Brunson, half man–half amazing, did what was needed to close out Game 6 against the Celtics. Leading his team with 23 points, it’s expected that he’ll control the pace for the matchup. Brunson is the Knicks’ most clutch player, as displayed in efficient iso-heavy plays down the stretch. The Knicks’ slow-paced, rugged style of basketball is supported by the defensive help of OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Miles McBride. While the rebounding and dirty work in the paint handled by Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson. The team’s de facto No. 2 option — Karl-Anthony Towns — is another source of offensive power. Towns is a versatile big man who can score inside and outside the paint. The New York Knicks are making the Big Apple proud — a morale that will aid them in Madison Square Garden. However, another point guard is standing in the way of a potential chip.
Enter Tyrese Haliburton, another clutch player that’ll make opponents focus intensely. The Indiana Pacers’ floor general has decimated teams with his acute court vision and deep 3-point shooting. Add to his godly playmaking and you have a recipe for a fast-paced, highly organized approach to basketball. Pascal Siakam — the perfect second option. An intelligent defender who can guard most positions, an instinctual scorer, completely active off-ball, has speed and great length. The defensive presence is also impeccable with Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith as worthy contributors. Andrew Nembhard is the X-factor that serves as the sixth man: insanely valuable on both ends of the floor. Plus players such as Benedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, T.J. McConnell, Ben Sheppard and Thomas Bryant, a supporting cast that provides depth and transition opportunities on the court. A whole amount of depth that can potentially overwhelm the Knicks.
Overall, this matchup is going to be a crucial Game 7. I’m sorry — there is no way either team is getting swept. The similarities are endless: A clutch first option, a versatile second option, a defensive presence, team-oriented — these teams are going to give each other the business. Only one team is going to make it out alive. Will it have Spike Lee stressed out? Yes. Will it have Reggie Miller choke? Maybe. The true question is — who will represent the East? And that’s something that even a crystal ball can’t predict.
