Two familiar foes. One path to the 2025 #NBAFinals presented by @youtubetv.
After last year’s epic East Semis showdown, Tyrese Haliburton and the No. 4 @pacers run it back against Jalen Brunson and the No. 3 @nyknicks in the Eastern Conference Finals!
📅 GAME 1 tips Wednesday at 8:00pm/et on TNT!
After a legendary seven-game battle in the 2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Tyrese Haliburton and the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers are running it back—this time on an even bigger stage. Standing in their way? Jalen Brunson and the battle-tested No. 3 seed New York Knicks, who are once again aiming to bring the glory back to Madison Square Garden. The stakes are higher. The spotlight is brighter. This is the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals.
📅 GAME 1 tips Wednesday at 8:00 PM ET on TNT!
A Rivalry Renewed
Last season’s Eastern Semis showdown was the stuff of modern NBA legend—gritty, physical, emotional, and unforgettable. It went the full seven games. There were buzzer-beaters, ejections, trash talk, and clutch performances that reminded fans of the golden days of ‘90s Pacers-Knicks basketball.
And here we are again—just one round deeper. Both teams have evolved. Both stars have leveled up. But the tension? Still electric.
Haliburton and the Pacers: Fast, Fearless, and Fueled by Fire
Tyrese Haliburton has officially arrived.
After making his first All-NBA team and leading the league in assists, Haliburton has taken full command of Indiana’s offense. He’s the engine that powers the league’s most up-tempo attack, pushing the pace with dazzling dimes and unselfish play. But don’t be fooled—when the Pacers need a bucket, Haliburton can get it himself with surgical efficiency.
This isn’t just a feel-good story. The Pacers are legit. Myles Turner has anchored the defense, Pascal Siakam brings playoff experience and versatility, and young guns like Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard have grown up fast under the postseason lights.
They’re here to finish what they started—and they remember last year.
Brunson and the Knicks: New York Toughness, Playoff Poise
If you still doubted Jalen Brunson, you’re just not watching.
The Knicks’ floor general has transformed into a full-blown superstar, putting together one of the most impressive playoff scoring runs in franchise history. He’s averaging over 30 a night in the postseason with icy composure, elite footwork, and relentless control. He’s not flashy—he’s effective, and he delivers when it matters most.
But Brunson isn’t alone. Julius Randle’s return to form has been crucial, Josh Hart is doing everything everywhere, and OG Anunoby has become the defensive x-factor they’ve long needed. With Coach Tom Thibodeau pulling the strings, New York has leaned into its identity: defense, rebounding, and toughness.
They’ve been waiting to get back here—and they believe it’s their year.
Styles Make Fights
This matchup is a study in contrasts.
The Pacers want to run, shoot, and keep you guessing. They lead the playoffs in transition points and ball movement. Haliburton runs the show like a conductor in rhythm, and when their offense clicks, it’s a blur of back-cuts, kickouts, and threes.
The Knicks, meanwhile, prefer the grind. They control the tempo, crash the boards, and trust their halfcourt execution. It’s not always pretty, but it’s effective. If the game slows down, they’re in their comfort zone.
Game 1 will be a tone-setter. Can the Pacers speed it up? Or will the Knicks make it a dogfight?
One Path to the Finals
For both franchises, this is more than just a playoff series.
For Indiana, it’s a chance to shock the world. To return to the NBA Finals for the first time since the Reggie Miller era. To prove that this young core isn’t just fun—they’re for real.
For New York, it’s redemption. A shot to break through decades of heartbreak. A city that lives and breathes basketball, hungry for a return to the promised land.
Only one can advance. Only one will earn the right to play for the title.
Two familiar foes. One path to the 2025 #NBAFinals.
📺 Don’t miss Game 1 — Wednesday at 8:00 PM ET on TNT!
