A Classic Rivalry Rekindled
When the Pacers and Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals, Tyrese Haliburton pointed out that it felt fitting for Indiana's return to the playoffs to feature a matchup with their longtime playoff rivals. This harkens back to the epic Reggie Miller-Patrick Ewing battles of the 1990s. Fittingly, the first Game 7 for this young Pacers squad comes against the New York Knicks.
Historical Showdowns
The Pacers and Knicks have a storied history in Game 7s, with back-to-back showdowns in the 1994 Eastern Conference finals and the 1995 Eastern Conference semifinals. Both decisive games took place in Madison Square Garden. The Knicks clinched the 1994 game to reach their first NBA Finals since 1973, while the Pacers won the 1995 clash before falling to the Magic in the Eastern Conference finals.
The Challenge Ahead
This current Pacers team lacks the Game 7 experience of their 1995 predecessors, with only a few players having ever appeared in such high-stakes games. However, they've been thoroughly briefed on what's at stake. "In Game 7s," said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, "it comes down to compete level and how well you're tied together."
The Prediction
Here’s our prediction for Game 7:
Dustin Dopirak, Pacers beat writer:
- The Pacers have shown incredible resiliency throughout these playoffs, consistently bouncing back from losses and poor performances. They established this grit in the regular season, but the playoffs amplify the stakes, with each game potentially ending the season.
- However, Game 7 is a different beast, especially in Madison Square Garden. While Gainbridge Fieldhouse has matched the Garden's intensity, neither team has managed a road win in this series.
- The Knicks face a potential setback if Josh Hart can't play, but if he's able to push through, combined with Jalen Brunson's likely bounce-back performance, it spells trouble for the Pacers. Brunson scored 26 points in the second half of Game 6, seemingly finding his momentum just in time.
Final Score Prediction
- Knicks 112, Pacers 105.
- The Pacers haven't yet proven they can conquer the hostile road environment, and it seems Brunson might deliver a classic performance in Game 7.
This Game 7 showdown is set to be a thrilling continuation of a historic rivalry, with both teams fighting fiercely for a chance to advance and face the Celtics.
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