The 2025 Eastern Conference Finals have propelled the longstanding rivalry between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers back into the spotlight. This matchup, reminiscent of 1990s basketball battles, has evolved into a new chapter that features both nostalgia and fresh animosity. Fans of both teams have witnessed something special: an intense playoff atmosphere that rekindles memories of the gritty battles previous generations experienced on the hardwood. The Knicks and Pacers have clashed eight times in the playoffs, including six showdowns over the course of eight years. These repeated encounters have created a layered history, and with each game, the stakes seem higher and the tension palpable.
Signs of Historical Echoes
The last significant meeting between these two franchises occurred in 2000 when the Pacers dumped the Knicks from the Eastern Conference Finals in a hard-fought six-game series. However, it is the fiery episodes from the 1994 Conference Finals that have become the stuff of legends. The iconic moment—where Reggie Miller taunted Knicks’ fan Spike Lee with a choking gesture after a stellar performance in Game 5—lives on not just in highlight reels, but in the very spirit of the rivalry. Fast-forward to 2025, and current Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton has taken a page from Miller’s emotional playbook, recreating that notorious choking celebration after a clutch shot in Game 1 of the series. This act not only paid homage to Miller but also fueled the furnace of rivalry with emotional undercurrents that reverberate through their storied past.
Rivalry with a Modern Twist
The Pacers’ victory in the Eastern Conference semifinals from the previous season serves as a contemporary backdrop against which these games unfold. The 2024 series ended dramatically with a Game 7 at Madison Square Garden, where the Pacers outperformed the Knicks impressively, shooting an astonishing 67% from the field. Haliburton, a beacon of strength for Indiana, scored 26 points and facilitated the win, proving that he could deliver in high-pressure situations. In the post-game atmosphere, Haliburton opted for a striking fashion statement—a hoodie emblazoned with an image of Miller’s infamous choking gesture. His playful demeanor in downplaying the symbolic act spoke volumes about how modern players respectfully acknowledge their predecessors while striving to carve out their own narratives.
A Connection Beyond the Court
The bond between Haliburton and Miller appears to anchor the Pacers’ quest for glory. Their daily exchanges and camaraderie symbolize the mentorship and legacy within sports. Haliburton has thrived on both admiration and friendly competition, using Miller’s iconic status to fuel his performance. On the other side, Knicks star Josh Hart unleased criticism of Haliburton’s fashion choices, a subtle jibe reminiscent of the playful taunts typical of rivalry day-to-day interactions. This off-the-court rapport adds a dimension that goes beyond statistics—highlighting the personalities that make the rivalry relatable to fans across generations.
Fun and Games: WWE Meets NBA
In a surprising twist to their rivalry, Haliburton and Knicks guard Jalen Brunson extended their competitive edge to the world of wrestling. During a June SmackDown event, the two faced off in a staged confrontation, as Haliburton, accompanied by WWE star Logan Paul, found himself in an unexpected confrontation with Brunson. This confluence of sports entertained fans while unintentionally enhancing their basketball rivalry. The elements of theatrics and conflict echoed the intensity with which they approach their games, showing how these athletes embody their competitive spirits, regardless of the arena they find themselves in.
The revived rivalry between the Knicks and the Pacers is not merely about games; it encapsulates historical echoes, modern viewpoints, and personal interactions that reach beyond the court. With each moment, the narrative of their rivalry deepens, celebrating the essence of what makes sports riveting, emotional, and unforgettably intense.