Knicks vs Pacers: A Historic NBA Rivalry Renewed in 2026
The Knicks vs Pacers matchup is more than just a regular game on the NBA calendar. For fans in New York and Indiana, it is a clash of cultures, styles, and deep-seated history. This rivalry didn’t just start yesterday; it has been brewing for decades, reaching its boiling point back in the 1990s. When these two teams meet, the atmosphere in the arena changes. You can feel the tension in the air as soon as the ball is tipped.
Whether it’s the bright lights of Madison Square Garden or the loud crowds in Indianapolis, this series always delivers. It’s a mix of gritty defense, high-octane scoring, and moments that stay in your memory forever. Even if you aren’t a die-hard fan, watching these two teams compete is like watching a high-stakes drama unfold on the hardwood. Every dribble and every shot feels like it carries the weight of past legends like Patrick Ewing and Reggie Miller.
A Trip Down Memory Lane: How It All Began
To truly understand the Knicks vs Pacers feud, you have to look back at the 1990s. This was the era where the rivalry became legendary. It wasn’t just about basketball; it was personal. Reggie Miller became the “Knick Killer” because he always seemed to find a way to break New York’s heart. His ability to score points in bunches during the final minutes of a game is still talked about today.
I remember watching old clips of Spike Lee barking from the sidelines while Miller hit 3-pointer after 3-pointer. It was pure entertainment. The Knicks, led by the towering Patrick Ewing, represented the tough, defensive-minded New York spirit. Meanwhile, the Pacers were the sharpshooting challengers from the Midwest. This contrast made every playoff series between them a “must-watch” event. They met six times in the postseason between 1993 and 2000, and neither team ever gave an inch.
Head-to-Head: By The Numbers
If you love numbers, the Knicks vs Pacers stats are incredibly close. Over hundreds of games played, both teams are almost neck-and-neck in total wins. This balance is what makes the rivalry so special. You never truly know who is going to win on any given night. One year the Knicks might dominate the regular season, but then the Pacers come back and pull an upset in the playoffs.
In the most recent seasons, including the 2024 and 2025 playoffs, the competition has remained fierce. The Pacers often lean on their fast-paced offense, while the Knicks under coach Tom Thibodeau prioritize a “grind-it-out” defensive style. This clash of philosophies usually leads to very close scores and exciting finishes. Let’s take a look at the historical breakdown of their matchups.
Historical Matchup Statistics
| Category | New York Knicks | Indiana Pacers |
| All-Time Series Leads | 127 Wins | 127 Wins |
| Regular Season Wins | 103 | 96 |
| Playoff Series Wins | 3 | 6 |
| Postseason Game Record | 24 Wins | 30 Wins |
| Latest Meeting (Dec 2025) | 114 | 113 |
The 2024 Playoff Heartbreak
The 2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals added a massive new chapter to the Knicks vs Pacers story. The Knicks entered the series as favorites, but injuries began to pile up for the New York squad. Players like OG Anunoby and Josh Hart fought through pain, but the Pacers’ depth eventually took over. It was a grueling seven-game series that ended with Indiana winning Game 7 right in the heart of New York.
Seeing the Pacers celebrate on the Knicks’ home court was a tough pill for fans to swallow. Tyrese Haliburton led the way for Indiana, showing that a new generation of stars was ready to take over this rivalry. Jalen Brunson did everything he could, scoring over 40 points multiple times, but the Pacers’ historic shooting percentages in Game 7 (over 67%!) were just too much to overcome. It reminded everyone that in this rivalry, history often repeats itself.
Re-Match in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals
The drama didn’t stop in 2024. Just one year later, we saw Knicks vs Pacers once again on the biggest stage: the Eastern Conference Finals. This time, both teams were even stronger. The Knicks had added Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges to their roster, while the Pacers continued to build around Pascal Siakam and Haliburton. It was a battle of the “Villanova Knicks” against the “High-Speed Pacers.”
This series went six games, with the Pacers eventually advancing to their first NBA Finals since the year 2000. It was a bittersweet moment for New York fans. They saw their team make a massive comeback in Game 3, but Indiana’s chemistry was simply superior. The games were high-scoring and full of highlight-reel plays. This series proved that the Knicks vs Pacers rivalry is officially back and better than it has ever been.
Key Players to Watch in 2026
As we look at the Knicks vs Pacers games in 2026, the star power is incredible. For the Knicks, everything starts and ends with Jalen Brunson. He is the engine that makes the team go. Alongside him, Karl-Anthony Towns provides a scoring threat from both inside and outside. Their defense is anchored by OG Anunoby, who is often tasked with guarding the opponent’s best player.
On the other side, the Pacers are led by Tyrese Haliburton, one of the best passers in the league today. He loves to push the pace and find open shooters like Bennedict Mathurin. Pascal Siakam provides the veteran leadership and scoring versatility that makes Indiana so dangerous in the clutch. When these stars collide, it’s not just about points; it’s about who can handle the pressure of the Knicks vs Pacers spotlight.
The Coaching Chess Match
Another huge part of the Knicks vs Pacers rivalry is the coaching. Tom Thibodeau of the Knicks is known for his strict, defensive-first approach. He wants his players to play heavy minutes and fight for every single loose ball. On the other bench, Rick Carlisle of the Pacers prefers a more fluid, offensive-minded system. He encourages his team to take quick shots and use their speed to tire out the defense.
This “unstoppable force meets an immovable object” dynamic makes every game a tactical battle. Thibodeau will try to slow the game down and make it a physical contest. Carlisle will try to speed it up and make it a track meet. Watching how these two veteran coaches adjust their lineups during a Knicks vs Pacers game is a treat for anyone who appreciates the “chess match” side of basketball.
Fan Culture and the Atmosphere
There is nothing quite like a Knicks vs Pacers game night at the Garden. The fans are loud, the celebrities are out, and the energy is electric. New Yorkers are famous for their basketball IQ, and they will let the opposing team know exactly how they feel. However, Indiana fans are just as passionate. In Indiana, basketball is almost like a religion, and they take great pride in their “blue-collar” team.
The traveling fans also add to the fun. You will often see a sea of orange and blue in Indianapolis, or a pocket of gold and blue in NYC. This mutual respect—and mutual dislike—is what keeps the rivalry healthy. It’s a healthy competition that brings out the best in both fanbases. Whether you are rooting for the “Bockers” or the “Cers,” you know you are part of something special.
What’s Next for This Rivalry
Looking ahead, the Knicks vs Pacers matchup shows no signs of slowing down. Both teams have young cores and aggressive front offices. They are both built to compete for championships for years to come. This means we can expect many more playoff battles and regular-season thrillers. Every game is a chance for a new hero to emerge and for a new legendary moment to be born.
As an NBA fan, I feel lucky to see this rivalry reborn. It reminds us of why we love the game. It’s about the sweat, the cheers, and the heartbreak. The Knicks vs Pacers games are a reminder that in sports, some stories never truly end. They just wait for the next chapter to be written.
Summary of Recent Major Matchups
| Date | Occasion | Result | Key Performer |
| May 19, 2024 | Playoff Game 7 | Pacers Win 130-109 | Tyrese Haliburton (26 pts) |
| May 31, 2025 | ECF Game 6 | Pacers Win 125-108 | Pascal Siakam (31 pts) |
| Dec 18, 2025 | Regular Season | Knicks Win 114-113 | Jalen Brunson (25 pts, 7 ast) |
| Feb 10, 2026 | Regular Season | Pacers Win 137-134 | Andrew Nembhard (31 pts) |
Conclusion
The Knicks vs Pacers rivalry remains one of the most exciting fixtures in professional basketball. From the 90s brawls to the modern-day scoring explosions, these teams always give their all. It is a matchup that respects tradition while embracing the future of the NBA. If you have the chance to watch a game between these two, don’t miss it. You might just see history being made.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who has won more games in the Knicks vs Pacers rivalry?
Historically, the series is almost perfectly tied. In terms of regular-season wins, the Knicks have a slight edge. However, the Pacers have won more playoff games and series matchups overall.
2. Why is Reggie Miller called the “Knick Killer”?
Reggie Miller earned this nickname in the 1990s for his incredible clutch performances against New York. His most famous moment was scoring 8 points in just 9 seconds to win a playoff game at Madison Square Garden.
3. When was the last time the Knicks and Pacers met in the playoffs?
They most recently met in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers won that series 4 games to 2 to advance to the NBA Finals.
4. Who are the current stars of the Knicks vs Pacers matchup?
For the Knicks, the main stars are Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. For the Pacers, the leaders are Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.
5. Which team has more NBA championships?
The New York Knicks have two NBA championships (1970 and 1973). The Indiana Pacers won three championships while in the ABA but are still searching for their first NBA title.
6. Where do the Knicks and Pacers play their home games?
The Knicks play at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Pacers play at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
