Pacers vs Knicks Timeline: A Storied Rivalry Through the Years

The pacers vs knicks timeline is one of the most exciting stories in basketball history. For over thirty years, these two teams have fought hard on the court. It is not just about points and wins; it is about heart, grit, and some very famous moments. Whether you are a fan from the 1990s or just started watching, this rivalry always brings the heat. In this article, we will look at how this feud started and where it stands today. We will also check out where to watch pacers vs knicks so you never miss a big game.

When the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks meet, you know it will be a battle. These pacers vs knicks matches are famous for being physical and loud. The history between them is filled with legendary players like Reggie Miller and Patrick Ewing. Today, new stars like Jalen Brunson and Pascal Siakam are writing their own chapters. It is a story of “Hicks vs. Knicks” that captures the imagination of everyone who loves the game of basketball.

The Beginning of a Fierce Feud (1990s)

The pacers vs knicks timeline really took off in the early 1990s. This was the era of defense and tough play. The Knicks were known for their “Bruise Brothers” style, while the Pacers had the legendary shooting of Reggie Miller. Their first big playoff meeting was in 1993. This was the year John Starks headbutted Reggie Miller! It showed the world that these two teams truly did not like each other. Every game felt like a championship fight.

In 1994, the rivalry reached a boiling point. Reggie Miller scored 25 points in the fourth quarter of Game 5. He even made a famous “choke” sign at superfan Spike Lee. Even though the Knicks won that series, the fire was lit. The Pacers came back in 1995 when Miller scored 8 points in just 8.9 seconds. That moment is still one of the most shocking events in NBA history. It cemented the Pacers as a team that would never back down from the big lights of New York.

The Modern Era: A New Chapter (2024–2026)

Fast forward to today, and the pacers vs knicks timeline is as alive as ever. In 2024, they met in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. It was a classic seven-game series that the Pacers won at Madison Square Garden. Then, in 2025, they faced off again in the Eastern Conference Finals. These pacers vs knicks matches are now led by Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Brunson. Even with injuries, both teams play with the same intensity we saw in the old days.

The 2025-26 season has been a bit different for both teams. The Knicks have been one of the best teams in the East. Meanwhile, the Pacers have struggled with big injuries, including a tough one for Tyrese Haliburton. However, even when the records are different, the games are close. Just recently, in February 2026, the Pacers pulled off a wild overtime win against the Knicks. It proves that in this rivalry, you can never count anyone out until the final buzzer.

Pacers vs Knicks Match Player Stats: Key Leaders

To understand why these games are so close, we have to look at the pacers vs knicks match player stats. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson is the engine. He often scores over 30 points and controls the pace of the game. Karl-Anthony Towns has also joined the Knicks, adding a lot of size and rebounding. On the Indiana side, Pascal Siakam has become the main man. He is a champion who knows how to score when the pressure is on.

In their most recent battle, the pacers vs knicks match player stats showed how deep both teams are. The Pacers had eight players score at least 10 points! This team effort helped them beat a Knicks team that relied heavily on Brunson’s 40-point night. Bench play often decides these games. Players like T.J. McConnell for Indiana and Josh Hart for New York bring energy that doesn’t always show up in simple box scores but helps their teams win.

Where to Watch Pacers vs Knicks Live

If you are looking for where to watch pacers vs knicks, you have a few great options. Most local fans in New York can catch the action on the MSG Network. For fans in Indiana, the games usually air on the FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports). If you live somewhere else, NBA League Pass is the best way to see every minute. It lets you stream the games on your phone, tablet, or TV at home.

For big national games, you might find them on ESPN or TNT. These networks love showing this rivalry because it always gets high ratings. Always check your local listings a few days before tip-off. Since these pacers vs knicks matches are so popular, they are often moved to prime-time slots. No matter where you are, there is a way to join the crowd and cheer for your favorite team.

Historical Playoff Meetings

The pacers vs knicks matches in the playoffs are the stuff of legends. They have met nine times in the postseason. This is one of the highest numbers for any two teams in the league. From 1993 to 2000, they seemed to play every single year. The Knicks lead the all-time regular-season series slightly, but the Pacers have had a lot of success in recent playoff matchups. Each series is like a mini-movie with its own heroes and villains.

One of the most famous series was in 1999. The Knicks were the 8th seed but made it all the way to the Finals. To get there, they had to go through Indiana. Larry Johnson made a four-point play that Knicks fans still talk about today. On the other side, the Pacers won the series in 2000 to finally reach their first NBA Finals. These moments are why the pacers vs knicks timeline is so special to sports history.

The Atmosphere at Madison Square Garden

There is no place like Madison Square Garden (MSG) for a rivalry game. When the Pacers come to town, the “World’s Most Famous Arena” gets even louder. Knicks fans are known for being very vocal and knowledgeable. They remember the old fights with Reggie Miller, and they treat every new Pacers player like a rival. Even Pacers players admit that playing at MSG feels like a playoff game every time.

Pascal Siakam recently said that MSG is a “special place” because everyone wants to play their best there. The bright lights and the history of the building make the pacers vs knicks matches feel more important. Whether the Knicks are winning or losing, the energy in the building is electric. It is an experience that every basketball fan should try to have at least once in their life.

Coaching Strategies and Mind Games

The coaches play a huge role in the pacers vs knicks timeline. Tom Thibodeau of the Knicks is known for a very tough defensive style. He wants his players to work hard on every single play. On the other side, Rick Carlisle of the Pacers likes a fast-paced game. He wants his team to run and score quickly. This “Clash of Styles” makes the games very interesting to watch from a tactical point of view.

During a game, you will see many adjustments. If the Knicks are stopping the Pacers’ fast break, Coach Carlisle might try different lineups. If the Pacers are scoring too easily, Coach Thibodeau will challenge his team to play better defense. These mind games between the coaches are just as intense as the action on the court. It is a chess match played at 100 miles per hour.

Impact of Injuries on Recent Matches

Injuries have unfortunately played a big part in the recent pacers vs knicks timeline. In the 2024 playoffs, the Knicks were missing several key players, which helped the Pacers win Game 7. In the 2025-26 season, it has been the Pacers’ turn to deal with bad luck. Losing an All-Star like Tyrese Haliburton changes how the whole team plays. It forces younger players to step up and take on bigger roles.

Despite these setbacks, the rivalry remains strong. Teams don’t use injuries as an excuse when they face their rivals. They play with whoever is available and give it their all. This “next man up” mentality is a big reason why the pacers vs knicks matches stay competitive. It shows the depth and character of both franchises during difficult times.

Future Outlook for the Rivalry

What does the future hold for the pacers vs knicks timeline? Both teams have young cores that will be around for a long time. Jalen Brunson is in his prime, and the Knicks are built to win now. The Pacers have a lot of young talent that is getting better every day. As long as these two teams are in the Eastern Conference, they will continue to cross paths in important games.

We can expect many more classic moments in the years to come. Maybe a new “Knick Killer” will emerge, or maybe the Knicks will start a long winning streak. One thing is for sure: fans will always be excited for the next game. The history is deep, the passion is real, and the basketball is top-notch. The pacers vs knicks timeline is a gift to all sports fans.

Conclusion

In the end, the pacers vs knicks matches are about more than just a ball going through a hoop. They are about two cities that love their teams deeply. They are about players who want to prove they are the best on the biggest stage. From the 8.9 seconds of Reggie Miller to the 40-point nights of Jalen Brunson, the pacers vs knicks timeline is full of magic. It reminds us why we love sports in the first place.

Whether you are cheering for the Blue and Gold or the Orange and Blue, these games are a must-watch. They bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime. So, the next time you see these two teams on the schedule, make sure you know where to watch pacers vs knicks. You won’t want to miss the next chapter of this incredible story!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who won the most recent game between the Pacers and the Knicks?

The Indiana Pacers won the most recent match on February 10, 2026. They beat the Knicks 137-134 in a thrilling overtime game at Madison Square Garden.

2. How many times have the Pacers and Knicks met in the playoffs?

They have faced each other 9 times in the NBA playoffs. Their most recent playoff meeting was in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals.

3. Where can I find the latest pacers vs knicks match player stats?

You can find real-time stats on the official NBA website, ESPN, or apps like Yahoo Sports during and after every game.

4. Why is it called the “Hicks vs. Knicks” rivalry?

It is a fun nickname that plays on the locations of the teams. “Hicks” refers to the Indiana Pacers’ Midwestern roots, and “Knicks” is short for the New York Knickerbockers.

5. Is Tyrese Haliburton playing in the 2026 matches?

Tyrese Haliburton has been sidelined with a serious injury (torn Achilles) and has missed much of the 2025-2026 season. Check the latest injury reports before each game.

6. Which team has more wins in the all-time series?

The New York Knicks hold a very slight lead in the all-time regular-season series, while the Pacers have been very successful in recent playoff battles.