Pacers vs Knicks match player stats from the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals delivered one of the most thrilling playoff series in a generation.
Indiana defeated New York 4-2 to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. Tyrese Haliburton made history, Pascal Siakam won ECF MVP, and Jalen Brunson pushed his limits against the league’s most relentless defensive team.
The 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals matched the No. 3 seed New York Knicks against the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers. Neither team was expected to make it this far after No. 1 Cleveland and No. 2 Boston both fell in earlier rounds.
Indiana eliminated Cleveland in five games in the second round. New York beat the defending champion Boston Celtics in six. The stage was set for a matchup between two of the hardest-working teams in basketball.
The Pacers won the series 4-2, advancing to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. Pascal Siakam earned the Larry Bird Trophy as the Eastern Conference Finals MVP.
| Game | Date | Winner | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | May 21, 2025 | Pacers | 138-135 (OT) | Madison Square Garden |
| Game 2 | May 23, 2025 | Pacers | 114-109 | Madison Square Garden |
| Game 3 | May 25, 2025 | Knicks | 106-100 | Gainbridge Fieldhouse |
| Game 4 | May 27, 2025 | Pacers | 130-121 | Gainbridge Fieldhouse |
| Game 5 | May 29, 2025 | Knicks | 111-94 | Madison Square Garden |
| Game 6 | May 31, 2025 | Pacers | 125-108 | Gainbridge Fieldhouse |
The Pacers won all four of their victories either in overtime or by double digits. The Knicks only managed to win when they staged dramatic comebacks, proving New York’s resilience even in defeat.
Game 1 was an instant classic. The Knicks led by 16 points with seven minutes remaining, and the Pacers staged a stunning 16-4 run to force overtime. Aaron Nesmith scored 12 of Indiana’s last 13 points in regulation.
Obi Toppin sealed the win with a driving dunk in the final seconds of overtime to give Indiana a 138-135 victory.
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyrese Haliburton | 31 | 4 | 11 | 12/23 | 4/12 |
| Aaron Nesmith | 30 | 3 | 1 | 9/13 | 8/9 |
| Pascal Siakam | 17 | 5 | 6 | 7/16 | — |
| Myles Turner | 15 | 6 | 2 | 6/10 | 2/4 |
| Obi Toppin | 12 | 4 | 2 | 5/8 | — |
Nesmith’s 8-for-9 shooting from three-point range was the statistical highlight of the entire series opener. He scored 20 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter alone, turning a certain defeat into a miraculous overtime win.
Haliburton’s 31 points and 11 assists on the road at Madison Square Garden set the tone for his dominance throughout the series.
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | 43 | 4 | 7 | 15/27 | 4/9 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | 21 | 9 | 3 | 8/18 | 2/6 |
| OG Anunoby | 18 | 5 | 2 | 7/12 | — |
| Mikal Bridges | 14 | 3 | 3 | 5/11 | 2/5 |
| Josh Hart | 9 | 8 | 4 | 3/6 | — |
Brunson’s 43 points were not enough to hold the lead. He made a clutch overtime three-pointer but Towns and Brunson both missed final attempts that could have won the game in regulation and overtime.
The Knicks had a chance to win in the closing seconds of overtime. A Towns miss and a Brunson miss on consecutive possessions handed Indiana the series opener.
Indiana went up 2-0 with another road win at Madison Square Garden, becoming the first team to take the opening two games at MSG since the 2013 Pacers.
Pascal Siakam erupted for 39 points on a scorching first half. Every Pacers starter reached double digits. The Knicks mounted a 9-0 run to close within one but Aaron Nesmith and Myles Turner made key free throws to seal it.
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pascal Siakam | 39 | 7 | 3 | 14/24 | 3/6 |
| Tyrese Haliburton | 14 | 8 | 11 | 5/14 | 2/7 |
| Myles Turner | 18 | 6 | 2 | 7/12 | 2/4 |
| Aaron Nesmith | 14 | 4 | 1 | 5/9 | 4/6 |
| Andrew Nembhard | 13 | 3 | 4 | 5/8 | 3/5 |
Siakam’s 39-point outburst was the defining performance of the first two games combined. He scored 23 in the first half alone, keeping Indiana ahead despite the Knicks’ multiple rallies.
Haliburton’s 11 assists with only one turnover showed his elite playmaking efficiency. Every starter contributing double-digit scoring made the Pacers nearly impossible to defend.
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | 27 | 3 | 6 | 9/19 | 2/7 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | 26 | 9 | 3 | 10/18 | 3/7 |
| OG Anunoby | 16 | 5 | 2 | 6/11 | 2/4 |
| Mikal Bridges | 15 | 4 | 3 | 5/12 | 3/6 |
| Josh Hart | 11 | 7 | 3 | 4/7 | 1/2 |
Towns’ 26 points showed his individual brilliance but the Knicks could not maintain their late charge. Brunson’s 27 points were efficient but the team’s inability to close games in regulation hurt them repeatedly.
New York staged its most dramatic comeback of the series in Game 3. Down by 20 points in the second half, the Knicks rallied behind Karl-Anthony Towns’ incredible fourth quarter. Towns scored 20 of his 24 points in the final quarter alone.
Aaron Nesmith’s ankle injury was the pivotal moment. He went down in the third quarter and during his absence the Knicks outscored Indiana 32-18 to erase the massive deficit.
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karl-Anthony Towns | 24 | 15 | 3 | 9/17 | 3/8 |
| Jalen Brunson | 23 | 2 | 1 | 6/18 | 1/5 |
| OG Anunoby | 16 | 2 | 2 | 6/9 | — |
| Mitchell Robinson | 10 | 9 | 1 | 4/6 | — |
| Josh Hart | 10 | 10 | 4 | 3/6 | — |
Towns’ 20 fourth-quarter points were described by multiple analysts as one of the greatest individual quarter performances of the 2025 playoffs. He delivered nearly all of it without Jalen Brunson on the floor due to foul trouble.
Mitchell Robinson started in place of Josh Hart and provided immediate impact with six points and four rebounds in the first quarter. Tom Thibodeau’s lineup adjustment was the tactical masterpiece of the series.
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyrese Haliburton | 20 | 4 | 6 | 7/15 | 2/8 |
| Myles Turner | 19 | 5 | 2 | 7/13 | 2/5 |
| Pascal Siakam | 17 | 6 | 3 | 7/16 | 1/3 |
| Andrew Nembhard | 12 | 3 | 3 | 4/9 | 2/4 |
| Aaron Nesmith | 11 | 2 | 1 | 4/7 | 3/5 |
Indiana led by 20 points and still lost. The Pacers scored just 44 second-half points after building their massive lead. Nesmith’s ankle injury disrupted the team’s defensive system at the worst possible moment.
Game 4 produced the most historic individual performance of the entire series. Tyrese Haliburton delivered 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, and four steals with zero turnovers.
He became the first player in NBA playoff history to post 30+ points, 10+ rebounds, 15+ assists, and zero turnovers in a single postseason game. Only Nikola Jokic and Oscar Robertson had ever posted a 30-15-10 line in a playoff game, and neither did it without a turnover.
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | TO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyrese Haliburton | 32 | 12 | 15 | 4 | 0 |
| Pascal Siakam | 30 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Myles Turner | 18 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Aaron Nesmith | 11 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Bennedict Mathurin | 17 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Haliburton’s first quarter alone was historic. He tallied 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists in the opening period — a stat line that only LeBron James had achieved in a single playoff quarter since play-by-play data was tracked.
The Pacers scored 43 first-quarter points, a franchise playoff record. Siakam’s 30 points gave Indiana two 30-point performers for the first time in this series.
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | 31 | 2 | 5 | 9/19 | 2/6 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | 24 | 12 | 3 | 8/15 | 1/2 |
| OG Anunoby | 22 | 4 | 2 | 8/14 | 2/5 |
| Mikal Bridges | 12 | 3 | 2 | 4/10 | 2/4 |
| Josh Hart | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2/5 | — |
Brunson, Towns, and Anunoby all had strong individual lines but could not match Indiana’s collective dominance. Towns appeared to hurt his knee in the fourth quarter on a collision with Nesmith, adding a major health concern heading into Game 5.
New York’s best performance of the series came in the must-win Game 5 at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks’ defense held Indiana to 94 points, their lowest total of the series, and Jalen Brunson led a balanced offensive attack.
The crowd chanted “Knicks in 7” throughout the fourth quarter as New York extended the series with a dominant 17-point victory.
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | 34 | 5 | 7 | 12/22 | 3/7 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | 22 | 11 | 2 | 8/16 | 2/5 |
| OG Anunoby | 20 | 6 | 3 | 7/13 | 2/4 |
| Mikal Bridges | 16 | 4 | 3 | 6/12 | 2/5 |
| Miles McBride | 14 | 2 | 2 | 5/9 | 3/5 |
Brunson’s 34 points in a must-win game was a masterclass in clutch performance. He was voted the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year that same season for exactly this kind of performance.
Miles McBride’s 14-point contribution off the bench was the underappreciated story of Game 5. His energy and defensive intensity gave the Knicks the lift they needed.
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pascal Siakam | 22 | 6 | 3 | 8/18 | 2/4 |
| Tyrese Haliburton | 14 | 4 | 8 | 5/17 | 2/8 |
| Myles Turner | 12 | 4 | 1 | 4/9 | 2/4 |
| Andrew Nembhard | 11 | 3 | 4 | 4/8 | 2/4 |
| Obi Toppin | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4/7 | — |
Haliburton’s 14-point, 5-for-17 shooting night was his worst of the series. New York’s defensive pressure harassed him all game, limiting his rhythm and cutting off his passing lanes.
Indiana closed out the series in Game 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It was a festive night featuring celebrity attendees from Caitlin Clark to Timothée Chalamet, and the Pacers delivered with a dominant second-half performance.
Pascal Siakam’s 31 points earned him the Larry Bird Trophy as the Eastern Conference Finals MVP. The Knicks committed 17 turnovers, the fatal flaw that Indiana’s relentless defensive pressure forced throughout the night.
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pascal Siakam | 31 | 6 | 3 | 10/18 | 2/3 |
| Tyrese Haliburton | 21 | 4 | 13 | 7/17 | 3/8 |
| Obi Toppin | 18 | 6 | 2 | 7/11 | 2/4 |
| Andrew Nembhard | 14 | 4 | 3 | 5/9 | 2/4 |
| Thomas Bryant | 11 | 5 | 1 | 4/6 | 2/3 |
Siakam’s consistency throughout the six games was the engine of Indiana’s run. He scored 30+ points in three of the six games against the Knicks and averaged 24.8 across the series, making him the undisputed series MVP.
Thomas Bryant’s back-to-back three-pointers in the third quarter ignited the Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd and broke the game open. It was the moment that truly ended New York’s hope of extending to Game 7.
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | 3PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OG Anunoby | 24 | 5 | 2 | 9/18 | 2/7 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | 22 | 14 | 2 | 8/18 | 1/4 |
| Jalen Brunson | 19 | 3 | 7 | 8/18 | 1/5 |
| Mikal Bridges | 14 | 4 | 3 | 5/12 | 2/5 |
| Josh Hart | 10 | 7 | 5 | 3/6 | 1/2 |
Anunoby’s 24 points were not enough to overcome the turnover deficit. New York’s 17 turnovers led directly to 34 Indiana fast-break and transition points in the elimination game.
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3PT% | Series High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pascal Siakam | 24.8 | 5.3 | 3.2 | 57.4% | 46.2% | 39 (G2) |
| Tyrese Haliburton | 22.0 | 5.3 | 10.7 | 46.2% | 38.5% | 32 (G4) |
| Myles Turner | 15.3 | 5.5 | 1.5 | 55.1% | 41.7% | 19 (G3) |
| Aaron Nesmith | 14.5 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 61.8% | 64.3% | 30 (G1) |
| Andrew Nembhard | 12.2 | 3.2 | 3.5 | 55.6% | 52.4% | 13 (G2) |
| Obi Toppin | 10.8 | 4.2 | 1.5 | 58.3% | 44.4% | 18 (G6) |
| Bennedict Mathurin | 9.2 | 3.0 | 0.7 | 51.2% | 38.5% | 17 (G4) |
| T.J. McConnell | 7.5 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 53.8% | 25.0% | 12 (G6) |
Siakam’s 57.4% field goal percentage across the six-game series was remarkable efficiency for a primary scorer. Nesmith’s 64.3% from three-point range, led by his Game 1 explosion, was the most efficient shooting in the entire series.
Haliburton’s 10.7 assists per game confirmed his status as one of the league’s elite playmakers. His near-zero turnover rate across the series was the foundation of Indiana’s offensive control.
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3PT% | Series High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson | 30.7 | 3.2 | 5.3 | 51.8% | 34.8% | 43 (G1) |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | 24.8 | 12.2 | 2.7 | 50.0% | 36.7% | 26 (G2) |
| OG Anunoby | 17.8 | 4.3 | 2.2 | 56.7% | 31.6% | 24 (G5, G6) |
| Mikal Bridges | 14.5 | 3.7 | 2.8 | 43.1% | 38.7% | 16 (G5) |
| Josh Hart | 9.3 | 8.0 | 4.2 | 41.7% | 25.0% | 11 (G2) |
| Miles McBride | 7.8 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 44.2% | 39.5% | 14 (G5) |
| Mitchell Robinson | 6.5 | 7.5 | 0.5 | 60.0% | — | 10 (G3) |
Brunson’s 30.7 points per game series average placed him among the great individual playoff performances in modern NBA history. The fact that this performance is viewed as somewhat disappointing speaks to the standard he set during the 2024-25 regular season.
Towns’ double-double series average with 12.2 rebounds per game showed his dominance on the glass, but his defensive struggles against Indiana’s speed were consistently exploited.
Haliburton’s performance across the six games earned him lasting recognition as one of the greatest individual playoff series performances in recent memory.
His Game 4 line of 32-12-15-4 steals with zero turnovers created NBA history. He became the third player ever to post 30-10-15 in a playoff game alongside Nikola Jokic and Oscar Robertson, and the first to do it without a turnover.
His 10.7 assists per game across the series led all players. His first-quarter performance in Game 4 (15 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists) matched a mark set only by LeBron James in the play-by-play era.
| Haliburton Series Stats | Total |
|---|---|
| Points | 132 |
| Assists | 64 |
| Rebounds | 32 |
| Steals | 14 |
| Turnovers | 6 |
| Games with 10+ Assists | 3 |
| Historic Performances | Game 4 triple-double |
Siakam won the Larry Bird Trophy as the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals MVP with consistent and dominant two-way play across all six games.
He scored 30+ points in three games including a 39-point explosion in Game 2 that showcased every weapon in his offensive arsenal. His 57.4% field goal efficiency was the highest of any primary scorer in the series.
Siakam’s presence alongside Haliburton gave Indiana two genuine co-stars. His fit in Rick Carlisle’s system — 18 months after arriving via trade from Toronto — had reached its full potential at exactly the right moment.
Brunson averaged 30.7 points per game in the series, shooting 51.8% from the field. Despite the Knicks’ loss, his performance solidified his status among the very best players in the NBA.
His 43-point Game 1 performance in a loss was one of the most impressive individual efforts in recent ECF history. He repeatedly delivered when the Knicks needed him most, but Indiana’s collective depth eventually overwhelmed New York’s star-heavy but bench-thin roster.
The Knicks used just eight players for most of the series, the fewest rotational players in the playoffs. Brunson’s minutes and usage load were immense, and by the fourth quarter of elimination games, the fatigue factor was visible.
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 11: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks looks to pass the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 11, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Towns delivered a statistically strong series with 24.8 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. His performance was critical in multiple wins and near-comebacks.
His fourth-quarter takeover in Game 3, when he scored 20 points to lead New York’s comeback from 20 down, was the highlight of his entire postseason. However, his defensive lapses against Siakam and his foul trouble throughout the series were equally visible.
Towns shot 50% from the field across the series, exceptional for a center who operates as a stretch-five. His 12.2 rebounds per game was the second-highest of any player in the 2025 playoffs.
| Category | Indiana Pacers | New York Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 117.8 | 112.3 |
| FG% | 52.1% | 48.4% |
| 3PT% | 43.7% | 35.2% |
| Assists Per Game | 28.2 | 22.1 |
| Turnovers Per Game | 11.2 | 15.8 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 42.1 | 44.6 |
| Fast Break Points/Game | 18.4 | 10.2 |
| Points Off Turnovers/Game | 19.6 | 13.4 |
| Bench Points Per Game | 32.4 | 21.7 |
| Points in Paint Per Game | 44.8 | 40.1 |
Indiana’s advantages in three-point percentage, assists, turnovers, bench scoring, and fast-break points tell the complete story of how the Pacers won the series. The Knicks actually won the rebounding battle, but could not convert their possessions at Indiana’s efficiency level.
The Pacers’ bench averaged 32.4 points per game compared to New York’s league-low 21.7. That 10-plus point gap in bench production was insurmountable across six games.
Aaron Nesmith was Indiana’s primary defensive assignment on Brunson for most of the series. His ability to chase Brunson through screens while maintaining offensive productivity made him one of the most versatile players on the floor.
OG Anunoby was New York’s defensive anchor, recording multiple blocks and steals each game. His three blocks in Game 3 disrupted Indiana’s paint attack and contributed directly to the Knicks’ comeback win.
Haliburton’s four steals in Game 4 highlighted Indiana’s ability to pressure ball-handlers with their point guard operating in the passing lanes. His defensive activity in Game 4 was arguably as impressive as his offensive production.
Indiana’s ability to force turnovers and avoid them was the single biggest tactical advantage in the series.
The Pacers committed 6 turnovers in Game 4 and just 5 in the first half of Game 3 before the Knicks’ rally. New York committed 17 turnovers in the closeout Game 6, directly costing them 34 points.
The 4.6 turnover gap per game across the series translated to roughly 10 free points per game in Indiana’s favor. Against a team as physically fit and fast as the Pacers, turnovers became immediately punishable in transition.
The 2025 ECF player stats set clear expectations for a potential 2026 rematch. Indiana returns Haliburton and Siakam as their core duo, with Nesmith locked in as a premier two-way wing.
New York enters 2026 with Brunson and Towns leading a roster that will need significant bench improvements. Their league-low 21.7 bench points per game in the series was a structural disadvantage that management must address.
Haliburton is just 25 years old entering the 2025-26 season. His combination of playmaking, shooting, and defensive activity makes him the most complete two-way guard in the Eastern Conference heading into 2026.
The Indiana Pacers won the series 4-2, defeating the New York Knicks to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.
Pascal Siakam won the Larry Bird Trophy as ECF MVP, averaging 24.8 points per game and scoring 30+ points in three of the six games.
Haliburton averaged 22.0 points, 10.7 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game, including a historic 32-point, 15-assist, 12-rebound, zero-turnover performance in Game 4.
Brunson averaged 30.7 points per game on 51.8% shooting, with a series-high 43 points in the overtime Game 1 loss, earning recognition as one of the greatest individual losing performances in ECF history.
Towns averaged 24.8 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, highlighted by 20 fourth-quarter points in Game 3 that led the Knicks’ comeback from 20 points down.
Yes. Nesmith sprained his ankle in Game 3 during Indiana’s 20-point lead, and his absence allowed the Knicks to outscore Indiana 32-18 to complete the comeback win and avoid a 3-0 series deficit.
Siakam’s 39-point, 7-rebound Game 2 performance was his standout individual effort, shooting 14-for-24 from the field as the Pacers went up 2-0 in the series.
Anunoby averaged 17.8 points per game with a 56.7% field goal percentage, serving as the Knicks’ most efficient scorer while also contributing as their primary defensive stopper.
The Pacers averaged 32.4 bench points per game compared to New York’s 21.7, with Obi Toppin, Bennedict Mathurin, and T.J. McConnell all making crucial contributions in multiple games.
Games 1, 2, and 5 were played at Madison Square Garden in New York City, while Games 3, 4, and 6 were played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Pacers vs Knicks match player stats from the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals told the story of two supremely talented teams separated by depth, turnover discipline, and one generational performance.
Tyrese Haliburton’s historic Game 4 triple-double, Pascal Siakam’s ECF MVP dominance, and Jalen Brunson’s courageous 30.7-point series average in defeat defined the six-game series for the basketball history books.
Indiana’s balanced attack, featuring seven players capable of scoring 10+ points on any given night, proved too much for a Knicks team that leaned heavily on Brunson and Towns while receiving league-minimum bench production.
The 2025 Pacers vs Knicks series revived one of the NBA’s greatest rivalries and gave basketball fans a reminder of why the playoffs remain the sport’s most compelling stage. For 2026, both teams return with unfinished business and the statistical blueprint to compete again.