The New York Knicks are making a historic return to the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals, facing off against the Indiana Pacers for the first time since 2000. The matchup rekindles a fierce rivalry that has seen both teams battle through the playoffs over the decades. As seen in a trending post on r/nba, the stakes are high as both teams aim for a shot at the NBA Finals.
Why it matters: This series marks the Knicks' first appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years, a chance for redemption against a team that has historically dominated them in playoff matchups.
The Knicks last faced the Pacers in the 2000 Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost 4-2.
Both teams have a storied rivalry, dating back to multiple playoff encounters in the 1990s.
The outcome of this series could define the future trajectories of both franchises.
Driving the news: The Knicks secured their place in the Finals after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in a sweep during the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals.
Jalen Brunson has emerged as a key player for the Knicks, leading them to their first Finals appearance since 1999.
Fans and celebrities celebrated the Knicks’ success, reminiscent of their glory days in the late 90s.
Indiana, the 2025 Eastern Conference champion, looks to reclaim its former glory after losing in the previous year’s Finals.
State of play: The Knicks and Pacers have faced each other in eight playoff series, with Indiana holding the edge in victories.
Indiana has won five of the eight playoff series, including all three matchups in the 21st century.
The rivalry intensified during the 1990s, marked by memorable incidents, including Reggie Miller’s infamous taunt directed at Knicks fan Spike Lee.
In their last encounter in 2024, the Pacers edged out the Knicks in the Conference Semi-Finals, continuing the trend of playoff victories.
The big picture: Both teams are eager to secure a championship that has eluded them for decades.
The Knicks have not won an NBA title since 1973, with their last Finals appearances in 1994 and 1999 resulting in losses.
The Pacers have never won an NBA championship since joining the league in 1976, with their last Finals appearance in 2000.
This series could be a defining moment for both franchises, shaping their legacies and future directions.
What they’re saying: Analysts and fans alike are buzzing about the intensity of this upcoming series.
“This is more than just a game; it’s a chance for both teams to rewrite history,” said sports commentator Ryan Canfield.
Fans expressed excitement on social media, with many reminiscing about the heated encounters of the past.
One fan noted, “The rivalry is back, and we can’t wait to see how it plays out!”
By the numbers: A quick look at the playoff history between the two teams.
1993 First Round: Knicks won 3-1
1994 Conference Finals: Knicks won 4-3
1995 Conference Semi-Finals: Pacers won 4-3
1998 Conference Semi-Finals: Pacers won 4-1
1999 Conference Finals: Knicks won 4-2
2000 Conference Finals: Pacers won 4-2
2013 Conference Semi-Finals: Pacers won 4-2
2024 Conference Semi-Finals: Pacers won 4-3
What's next: Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals is set to tip-off today, May 21, 2026.
The game will take place at Madison Square Garden, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Fans can catch the action live on TNT, with additional coverage available through various sports networks.
Expect both teams to come out strong, with the Knicks looking to avenge their past losses and the Pacers aiming to maintain their recent playoff dominance.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.