Knicks vs. Pacers: Epic NBA Rivalry Reignites in Eastern Conference Finals

The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers are set to ignite Madison Square Garden tonight in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, reviving a rivalry that’s been a cornerstone of NBA playoff history. This clash promises to add another thrilling chapter to a saga defined by fierce competition, unforgettable moments, and raw passion.

From 1993 to 2000, these teams battled in the playoffs six times, each series brimming with intensity. Think John Starks headbutting Reggie Miller in ’93, a moment that set the tone for years of bad blood. Or Miller’s legendary 1994 Game 5, where he dropped 25 points in the fourth quarter, taunting Knicks superfan Spike Lee with that iconic choke gesture. The Pacers stole that game, though the Knicks took the series.

Then there’s 1995, when Miller pulled off one of the wildest comebacks in playoff history, scoring eight points in nine seconds to flip a Knicks lead in Game 1. The Pacers won that series, proving their mettle. Fast forward to 1999, when Larry Johnson’s clutch four-point play in Game 3 sealed a Knicks victory, etching his name in franchise lore. The Knicks won that series, but the Pacers got their revenge in 2000.

The rivalry simmered until 2013, when Paul George’s Pacers outdueled Carmelo Anthony’s Knicks. Last season, the Pacers dominated a depleted Knicks squad in Game 7, shooting a record-breaking 67.1% from the field. With a 5-3 playoff series edge, Indiana holds the upper hand, but the Knicks are hungry to even the score.

Tonight, as the Garden roars, expect nothing less than a battle fueled by history, pride, and the pursuit of glory.