There are limited rivalries that match the intensity and drama between New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers in NBA Playoffs history. It started with a first-round competitive clash in the early 1990s. But later, this transcended to a deeply rooted postseason feud.
Over the years, both franchises have felt high-stakes moments, heartbreaking defeats, and iconic performances that still resonate with fans. This transcension includes the infamous rivalvry between Pacers legend Reggie Miller and Hollywood director and Knicks fan Spike Lee.
The Knicks and Pacers meet for a ninth time in playoffs. The 2025 Eastern Conference Finals becomes the fourth time when these two rivals lock horns for a ticket to the NBA Finals. Here’s a look at one of NBA’s fiercest rivalry, that never ceases to create more historic moments.
Knicks vs Pacers Origins and 1990s Showdowns
Knicks vs Pacers all started back in 1993, when the Knicks defeated the Pacers 3–1 in the Eastern Conference First Round. Patrick Ewing showcased a dominant performance to clinch the victory. The win set the stage for a string of heated encounters throughout the decade.
They meet again in 1994. This time, it was the Eastern Conference Finals. This was the maiden clash between these two franchises in a conference finals. The series reached legendary status when Indiana’s Reggie Miller exploded for 25 points in the fourth quarter of Game 5 at the Madison Square Garden. But this performance eventually went in vain, thanks to Patrick Ewing delivering a memorable performance in the decisive game. The Knicks bounced back to win the series in seven games.
The Pacers came back again next year to return the favor. In 1995, Indiana edged out a 4–3 series win in the semifinals, highlighted by Miller’s famous eight points in nine seconds to steal Game 1 in New York. This set the stage for an intense rivalry between these two teams. The Indiana Pacers would go on to get the better of the New York Knicks in 1998.
But the Knicks bounced back in 1999, when it mattered the most. The two teams clashed for the second time in another Eastern Conference Finals. They were the eighth seed when they headed to the conference finals. But they left the Pacers stunned and earned another ticket to the NBA Finals. They went on losing to the San Antonio Spurs.
The Pacers came back stronger, and met the Knicks yet again for the third time in the Eastern Conference Finals. This time, Indiana had the last laugh over New York after winning the series 4-2. The victory earned them their maiden appearance in the NBA Finals. Their campaign was brought to an end by the dominant Los Angeles Lakers, who won the 2000 NBA Championship.
Related: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder All-time Head-to-Head Playoffs Record
Knicks vs Pacers Modern Era Battles and Current Stakes
The Knicks vs Pacers rivalry got reignited again, when these two clashed in the 2013 Eastern Conference Semifinals. Paul George led the way for Pacers to take on Carmelo Anthony’s Knicks, winning the series 4-2. The victory was symbolic as the Indiana Pacers emerged as one of the East’s new contenders.
Their next postseason meeting came in 2024. The Knicks started strong, winning the first two games, but the Pacers bounced back. Tyrese Haliburton and his teammates eventually took the series in Game 7 with a historic offensive display at Madison Square Garden. The win was both a statement and a reminder of the Pacers’ postseason resilience.
Now, in 2025, the rivalry reaches another peak as New York and Indiana square off in the Eastern Conference Finals—their first since 2000, and their fourth overall. Both squads have evolved: the Knicks have added Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, while the Pacers continue to build around Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. With qualification to the NBA Finals at stake, the two teams would bring on their A-Game in an already heated rivalry, that gets the best and worst of both players and the fans.
Overall Playoff Head-to-Head Record
- Total Playoff Series: 8
- Series Wins:
- Indiana Pacers: 5
- New York Knicks: 3
- Total Playoff Games Played: 48
- Playoff Game Wins:
- Indiana Pacers: 26
- New York Knicks: 22
Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals starts with the New York Knicks hosting the Indiana Pacers at the Madison Square Garden.
