For the first time since the 1999-2000 season, yes 25 years! The New York Knicks have secured their spot in the Eastern Conference Finals (ECF). They eliminated the Boston Celtics, who were missing Jayson Tatum, by almost 40 points in Game 6. This means that, for the eighth consecutive season, there will be a new NBA champion, showcasing the parity in today’s league. This hasn’t happened since the early ’80s but in those years the Celtics and Lakers were exchanging titles. It will be a rematch for the Knicks, who were eliminated at home by the Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals last season. The difference is that the Knicks had many injured players in that series, but this year they are healthy and have added Karl-Anthony Towns. During the regular season, the Knicks played the Indiana Pacers three times, winning twice.
Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton From the Ring to the Conference Finals
To add more excitement to the series, which will be physically demanding and evenly matched, Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton faced off in a WWE ring last summer in June after their season ended. Now, their respective teams, the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers, are set to clash in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. The WWE event featuring Brunson and Haliburton seems to have predicted this matchup before anyone else. Logan Paul was also present at that SmackDown event as Hali’s partner, confirmed his support for the Pacers. Some celebrity had to support the Pacers, as the Knicks have been hogging all the attention with their star-studded Madison Square Garden lineup in the playoffs.
Brunson and Haliburton expected to reach this point in the season, but they never thought they would face each other, especially as the season progressed and the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics became the favorites to reach the finals and win the title. However, Brunson eliminated the champions, and Haliburton eliminated the best team in the conference. It seems that the WWE had the script for this season.
As mentioned last year, the Pacers eliminated the Knicks in Game 7 of the semifinals. However, with fewer injuries this time, we’re in for an intense, physical series between the third and fourth seeds in the Eastern Conference. The rivalry reached its peak in the 1990s, when the two teams played each other in two consecutive conference finals and six playoff series between 1993 and 2000. Now, it’s back with a vengeance. Sadly, neither team won a championship during that period, with the Knicks losing two finals and the Pacers losing one over that span.
Knicks vs. Pacers: A Historic Rivalry Renewed
Both teams are surely eager to face each other. Honestly, I don’t have a favorite. Although some think home court will help the Knicks, the Pacers have proven to be great underdogs since last season. The Knicks haven’t won a championship since 1973, and the Pacers lost their only opportunity in 2000 to Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. I predict that this series will go to seven games, which would take place on June 2 in New York. Can you imagine the madness that would ensue in New York if that happens?
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