About this Episode
In this episode of Podcasty NBA, hosts Niko and Stella explore one of basketball's most intense rivalries between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks through eight historic playoff matchups spanning from the early '90s through recent seasons. They recount iconic moments such as Reggie Miller's legendary scoring bursts against Spike Lee's heckling, controversial calls impacting games like Larry Johnson's four-point play, key injuries altering series outcomes including Patrick Ewing's absences, plus how these battles shaped team identities under figures like Donnie Walsh and Pat Riley. The conversation culminates by setting expectations for their upcoming highly anticipated Eastern Conference Finals clash in 2025 based solely on documented events from Chris Herring's ESPN article.
Article Discussed: "NBA playoffs 2025: Ranking all 8 Knicks-Pacers series ahead of ECF"
Author: Chris Herring
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Episode Transcript
Niko: Welcome to Podcasty NBA! Today, we're diving into the intense and historic rivalry between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. This rivalry has been simmering since the early '90s, filled with dramatic playoff battles, iconic moments, and plenty of hard-nosed basketball.
Stella: Absolutely, Niko. We're exploring a detailed breakdown of their eight previous playoff series before looking ahead to their upcoming 2025 Eastern Conference Finals matchup. From Reggie Miller's legendary performances to physical clashes and even celebrity encounters courtside, this rivalry has it all.
Niko: Let's start back in the winter of 1992 when Donnie Walsh, then GM of the Pacers, was inspired by a brutal play involving Reggie Miller and Charles Oakley. During a game against Pat Riley’s Knicks on December 30th, Oakley delivered a shoulder check that knocked Miller down hard. The refs didn't call a foul, but Oakley was fined $10,000 later. That moment convinced Walsh to build a tougher Pacers team by adding players like Derrick McKey and Antonio Davis.
Stella: Right, that shift transformed Indiana from an up-tempo squad into more of a grind-it-out team like the Knicks. It also set the stage for what became one of the fiercest rivalries in NBA history. They met frequently in playoffs throughout the '90s—three straight series from 1993 to 1995 and six times in eight postseasons from '93 to 2000.
Niko: One of the most iconic moments came in the 1995 Eastern Conference semifinals when Reggie Miller scored eight points in nine seconds to stun the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Despite New York building a 3-1 series lead initially, Indiana forced Game 7 and won after Patrick Ewing missed a potential game-tying shot at the buzzer.
Stella: That victory not only eliminated New York but also marked the end of Pat Riley's era as Knicks coach — he resigned ten days later amid controversy over Miami Heat tampering allegations. So this series had huge ramifications beyond just wins and losses.
Niko: In 1994’s Eastern Conference finals without Michael Jordan—who was playing baseball—the two teams battled fiercely again. Miller caught fire late in Game 5 despite Spike Lee heckling him courtside. He scored 39 points with an incredible fourth quarter that included clutch threes while gesturing at Lee with his hands around his neck signaling choking.
Stella: Yet New York bounced back thanks to John Starks’ strong Game 6 performance and an all-around dominant showing by Ewing in Game 7 which propelled them to the NBA Finals. These back-and-forth battles really defined their rivalry’s intensity during that era.
Niko: Fast forward to 1999’s Eastern Conference finals during a lockout-shortened season: The Knicks lost Ewing mid-series due to a torn Achilles but still managed memorable moments like Larry Johnson’s controversial four-point play in Game 3 against Antonio Davis—a call even referee Jess Kersey admitted was wrong later on.
Stella: "That play swung momentum dramatically," as Johnson completed that rare four-point play leading New York to win Game 3 and eventually take the series for another Finals appearance. It shows how pivotal single moments have been throughout this rivalry's history.
Niko: "Jumping ahead to recent years," Indiana dominated in their thrilling seven-game victory over New York in last year's Eastern Conference semifinals. Tyrese Haliburton led with stellar performances including an impressive first-quarter explosion scoring 39 points alone in Game 7 while key Knicks players were sidelined due to injuries like Jalen Brunson breaking his hand mid-game.
Stella: "And despite those setbacks," New York remains motivated for revenge heading into this year's conference finals matchup with Indiana. The players know this rivalry well—Haliburton even wore a sweater referencing Miller's famous choke gesture toward Spike Lee after last year’s win, cementing himself as a villain at Madison Square Garden."
Niko: "There’s also been some fun crossover drama," like WWE staging confrontations between Brunson and Haliburton during their tour stop at MSG — blending sports entertainment with real-life playoff tension. Plus both teams have pulled off multiple improbable comebacks this postseason making this series feel like it could be one for the ages."
Stella: "Looking back across these eight historic playoff matchups," we see themes of physicality, clutch performances, momentum shifts caused by controversial calls or injuries, and deep-rooted competitive fire on both sides — all elements fueling what could be another classic chapter starting Wednesday."
Niko: "To sum up," from Walsh's decision sparked by Oakley's hit on Miller through decades of dramatic games featuring legends like Ewing, Miller, Starks, Paul George, and now Haliburton and Brunson — this Pacers-Knicks rivalry is packed with unforgettable moments that have shaped both franchises' histories profoundly."
Stella: "Exactly! And as we look forward to their upcoming showdown for the Eastern Conference crown," we can expect high stakes drama fueled by history and current playoff momentum alike. Thanks for joining us on Podcasty NBA where we break down stories behind basketball’s biggest rivalries until next time!
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