Pacers Grab 2-0 Lead Over Knicks in Tight Eastern Conference Finals Battle
This wasn’t your average playoff game—Game 2 between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks had everything: high stakes, rising tensions, and jaw-dropping performances. On May 23, 2025, fans at Madison Square Garden expected the Knicks to bounce back but saw the Pacers slip away with a 114-109 win, making it a 2-0 series lead as the teams now head to Indiana.
The Knicks had the home crowd advantage, but the Pacers seemed unfazed. Pascal Siakam, who’s no stranger to big moments from his time as an NBA champion, turned it up to another level this night. He put in a playoff career-high—dropping 39 points with a mix of relentless drives and smooth jumpers, while also grabbing five boards. When the Knicks threatened late, it was Siakam who silenced the arena with a pair of clutch baskets. Tyrese Haliburton took on the playmaker’s role, finishing with a near triple-double of 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists. His orchestration of Indiana’s offense pulled New York’s defense in every direction, and his energy set the tone on both ends of the court.
New York didn’t go down without a fight. Jalen Brunson, once again proving why he’s the heartbeat of the Knicks, poured in 36 points and dished out 11 assists despite hounding defense from Indiana. He knocked down five triples, each igniting hope in the Garden. But with Indiana’s defenders tightening every passing lane and forcing tough shots in the fourth quarter, the Knicks just couldn’t build enough momentum to reclaim the lead.
What stood out was Indiana’s resilience late in the game. When the Knicks trimmed the deficit to just three points in the final minutes, the Pacers answered—never once looking rattled in the Garden’s raucous atmosphere. Andrew Nembhard, Myles Turner, and the rest chipped in with timely baskets and defensive stops, spreading the scoring load beyond just their stars.
How to Watch, What’s Next, and What’s at Stake
Game 2 aired live on TNT, but for anyone wanting to tune in on the go, NBA League Pass and ESPN+ carried the game as well (though local blackout rules still apply for some). With another high-intensity matchup coming, Game 3 is set for May 25 in Indiana, tipping off at 8 p.m. ET—fans can catch it again on TNT.
The regular season favored the Knicks in this matchup (New York took the series 2-1), and after a dramatic toss-up in their opening game that went to overtime, this second loss stings. The Pacers, opening a 2-0 lead, have set themselves up as the favorites to move on, but no one in New York is counting the Knicks out just yet.
- Game 1 Recap: Pacers won a thriller 138-135 in OT
- Game 2 Key Stat: Siakam’s 39 points set a new postseason best
- What to Watch: Can the Knicks find answers in Indiana, or will the Pacers’ balanced attack keep rolling?
Both teams know the next game could swing the momentum for good. If the Pacers win, they’ll be one victory from the Finals. But if the Knicks rally, this series could get wild. Stick around—it’s only getting more intense from here.
19 Comments
In the theater of the Eastern Conference, the Pacers have scripted a tragedy for the Knicks, a tale where hubris meets relentless defense.
One could say the Garden became a crucible, testing not just skill but the very soul of New York's hopes.
Their 2‑0 lead feels like a modern Icarus, soaring too high before the inevitable fall.
Yet, the Knicks' heart still beats, a stubborn rhythm refusing to be silenced by a single loss.
Only time will reveal if this narrative ends in redemption or perpetual lament.
Yo fam, y’all saw how Siakam just lit up the Palace, right? He was on fire and the Knicks couldn’t even keep up, that’s just how it goes when a team’s got that energy! We gotta give props to the Pacers for staying cool under the pressure, they played like a squad that’s been thru the grind together. But yo, Knicks fans, keep the faith – next game’s theirs to steal if they bring that same hustle!
Hey Knicks crew, don’t let this slip dim your fire – Brunson’s 36 points showed the heart of New York still beats strong.
Keep that belief alive, because every setback is just a setup for a louder comeback.
Stay pumped, stay united, and let the next matchup in Indiana be the stage where you turn the tide.
Wow, the Pacers actually beat the Knicks at home, who could've seen that coming? Guess the Garden was just a nice place to listen to some other team's highlights.
The statistical asymmetry evident in the recent Game 2 underscores a systemic superiority of the Pacers' offensive schematics, rendering the Knicks' defensive adjustments ostensibly inadequate.
Such an outcome is not merely a product of isolated execution but rather an embodiment of a deeper tactical paradigm.
I acknowledge the Pacers' performance as a testament to disciplined execution, and I extend my respect to both squads for delivering a high‑quality contest.
New York's fervor remains admirable, and I trust the forthcoming encounter in Indiana will further illuminate the competitive spirit inherent in this series.
Indeed, the defensive rotations were textbook, yet I would like to note a minor grammatical oversight: "Pacers' performance" should be rendered as "Pacers’ performance" with the correct typographic apostrophe.
i thnk the knicks wer just luttin to gte alog an the brunt of it
Friends, this series is still wide open, and the Knicks have every reason to stay hopeful.
Game 3 in Indiana will offer a fresh canvas, and a focused effort can swing momentum back to New York.
Let’s keep cheering and enjoy the basketball.
History repeats itself in the courts of the NBA. The Pacers seized the second win with a calm fury. The Knicks responded with grit yet fell short. Mid‑range shots defined the scoring flow. Turnovers plagued the home side in the fourth quarter. Fans felt the tension rise like a tide. Siakam's dominance reminded us of past legends. Brunson's effort echoed his relentless spirit. Haliburton orchestrated plays with surgical precision. Defensive stops came from Turner and Nembhard alike. The series now tilts toward Indiana yet remains precarious. Game three will test endurance and will. Coaches will adjust strategies with keen eyes. The audience will witness another chapter of drama. In the end, basketball remains poetry in motion.
The elite narrative of the Eastern Conference Finals is nothing but a contrived spectacle engineered by shadowy market forces seeking to distract us from the deeper decay within professional basketball.
They pump hype, they manipulate viewership, and they sell us the illusion of competition while the true puppeteers pull the strings.
Do you really believe that a single player’s 39‑point outburst changes the balance of power, or is it just another smokescreen?
Wake up, people; the game is a cage, and we are the birds inside.
ur nfs nyce but i think u overreacted lol its jus a game not a conspiretion
The ebb and flow of this series remind me of a river carving its path through stone, each game a new contour shaping the eventual shape.
If you missed the broadcast, the game is available on NBA League Pass and TNT replays later today, just check your local listings.
Keep your heads up Knicks fans you’ve shown heart and that means something even when the score isn’t in your favor. Let’s stay positive and trust the process together
Everyone’s got a point, but at the end of the day it’s just basketball and we should enjoy the ride. No need for drama, just some good ol’ competition and respect for both teams.
Imagine the hidden cameras watching every pass, the secret codes exchanged between coaches – that’s the real story behind any playoff win. The Pacers' victory isn’t just skill, it’s the culmination of an unseen agenda. Trust no one.
From a performance analytics standpoint the Pacers demonstrate a superior net rating trajectory which, combined with their defensive efficiency index, positions them as a statistically dominant contender at this juncture.
Correct usage: “Pacers took a 2‑0 lead,” not “Pacers take 2-0 lead.”