If you love basketball, you know that some games are just bigger than others. The pacers vs knicks timeline is one of those legendary stories in sports. It is not just about a ball and a hoop. It is about two cities that really, really want to beat each other. This rivalry started way back in 1977. Since then, we have seen amazing shots, mean stares, and games that keep us on the edge of our seats.
In the 1990s, this matchup became the talk of the town. You had Reggie Miller from Indiana and Patrick Ewing from New York. They played so hard that every game felt like a championship battle. Even today, when these teams meet, the energy is electric. Fans still talk about the “Choke Sign” and those eight points in nine seconds. Whether you are a new fan or have watched for years, the pacers vs knicks timeline shows us why we love the NBA.
How the Rivalry Started in the 1970s
The very first game in the pacers vs knicks timeline happened on February 9, 1977. Back then, the Pacers were new to the NBA after coming over from the ABA. It was a close game, with Indiana winning by just one point, 110-109. This small win was a sign of things to come. It showed that Indiana could play with the big city stars from New York.
For the next few years, the teams played many pacers vs knicks matches that were very physical. They didn’t like each other much. New York was the famous, flashy team, while Indiana was the scrappy underdog. This “big city vs. small town” vibe made every meeting feel special. It set the stage for the explosive games we would see in the 1990s.
The Golden Era of the 1990s
The 1990s are the most famous part of the pacers vs knicks timeline. Between 1993 and 2000, these two teams met in the playoffs six different times! That is a lot of high-stakes basketball. Every spring, it felt like a sure thing that Indiana and New York would face off. These games were famous for being “old school”—lots of defense and very few easy baskets.
Reggie Miller became a legend during this time. He was known as the “Knick Killer” because he always made big shots against them. The Knicks had stars like Patrick Ewing and John Starks who fought back just as hard. These years turned a simple game into a fierce grudge match that fans still debate today.
Reggie Miller and the Famous “Choke” Sign
One of the most iconic moments in the pacers vs knicks timeline happened in 1994. During Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Reggie Miller went on a scoring tear. He scored 25 points in just the fourth quarter! While he was doing it, he looked at famous director Spike Lee and made a “choke” sign with his hands.
This moment is still shown on TV all the time. It showed how much the players and fans were involved. It wasn’t just a game; it was personal. Even though the Knicks ended up winning that series, the “choke” sign became a symbol of the rivalry. It made the pacers vs knicks matches must-watch television for everyone.
The Improbable 8 Points in 9 Seconds
In 1995, the pacers vs knicks timeline added another unbelievable chapter. In Game 1 of the semifinals, the Pacers were losing by six points with only 18.7 seconds left. Most people thought the game was over. But Reggie Miller didn’t. He hit a three-pointer, stole the ball, hit another three-pointer, and then made two free throws.
He scored 8 points in about 9 seconds to win the game. It is still considered one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. Moments like this are why the pacers vs knicks matches are so famous. You can never look away because something crazy might happen at any moment.
Modern Battles: The 2024 and 2025 Series
After a few quiet years, the rivalry heated up again recently. In 2024, the teams met in a seven-game thriller. The pacers vs knicks match player stats from that series were incredible. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with fast plays, while Jalen Brunson scored over 40 points multiple times for the Knicks. Indiana eventually won Game 7 at the Garden.
In 2025, they met again in the Eastern Conference Finals. This time, the stakes were even higher. Indiana showed they were for real by beating the Knicks in six games to reach the NBA Finals. This modern era has brought back the intensity of the 90s, proving that the pacers vs knicks timeline is still growing and full of surprises.
Latest Thriller: The February 2026 Overtime Game
Just recently, on February 10, 2026, we saw another classic. Even though the Pacers had many injuries, they walked into Madison Square Garden and won a wild game. It ended 137-134 in overtime. There were 39 lead changes! That means the lead swapped back and forth almost every minute.
Pascal Siakam was the hero for Indiana with 30 points. Jalen Brunson tried his best for the Knicks, scoring 40 points, but it wasn’t enough. Looking at the pacers vs knicks match player stats for this game shows just how hard both teams fought. It was a reminder that no matter the records, these teams always play their best against each other.
Understanding Pacers vs Knicks Match Player Stats
When we look at the pacers vs knicks match player stats, some names really stand out. In the current 2025-2026 season, Jalen Brunson has been a scoring machine for New York. He often plays nearly the whole game and takes the big shots when it matters. He is the heart of the Knicks’ offense.
On the Indiana side, Pascal Siakam has become the main leader while Tyrese Haliburton recovers from injury. Siakam is great because he can score and grab rebounds. Other players like Andrew Nembhard have also stepped up. Seeing these pacers vs knicks match player stats helps us see the different styles: the Knicks’ tough defense vs. the Pacers’ lightning-fast offense.
Where to Watch Pacers vs Knicks Today
If you don’t want to miss the next chapter of the pacers vs knicks timeline, you need to know where to watch pacers vs knicks. In 2026, there are more ways to watch than ever. If you live in New York, you can find the games on the MSG Network. If you are in Indiana, look for FanDuel Sports Network.
For fans living anywhere else, the best place is NBA League Pass. You can also see big games on national TV channels like ESPN, ABC, or even streaming on Peacock and Amazon Prime Video. Knowing where to watch pacers vs knicks ensures you can see every dunk and defensive stop live as they happen.
Why This Rivalry Matters to Fans
The pacers vs knicks timeline is important because it represents passion. For people in Indiana, the Pacers are about teamwork and hard work. For people in New York, the Knicks are about grit and the “bright lights” of the big city. When these worlds collide, it creates a story that everyone can enjoy.
I think the reason it stays so popular is the respect between the teams. Even though they play hard and sometimes get mad, they know the other team is talented. This respect makes the pacers vs knicks matches better every year. It’s not just a game; it’s a tradition passed down from parents to their kids.
What’s Next for These Two Teams
As we look forward, the pacers vs knicks timeline looks very bright. Both teams have young stars who will be playing for a long time. The Knicks are building a powerhouse around Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Meanwhile, the Pacers are waiting for Tyrese Haliburton to return so they can get back to the Finals.
We can expect many more exciting pacers vs knicks matches in the future. The rivalry has moved from the era of Reggie Miller to the era of Haliburton and Brunson. No matter who is on the court, the history of these two teams ensures that every game will be a battle worth watching.
Conclusion
The pacers vs knicks timeline is a journey through basketball history. From the early days in 1977 to the overtime thrillers of 2026, these two teams have given us some of the best moments in the NBA. Whether it’s high-scoring stars or defensive battles, this rivalry has it all. If you are a fan, make sure to check the schedule so you know where to watch pacers vs knicks the next time they play.
What is your favorite moment from the Pacers vs Knicks history? Is it Reggie’s 8 points or a big win at the Garden? Let us know and keep cheering for your team!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who has won more games in the pacers vs knicks timeline?
Overall, the New York Knicks have won a few more regular-season games. However, the Indiana Pacers have been very strong in the playoffs lately, winning their most recent series in 2024 and 2025. It is a very close race!
2. What are the best pacers vs knicks match player stats to look for?
You should always look at points and assists. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson usually has the most points. For the Pacers, look at Tyrese Haliburton’s assists and Pascal Siakam’s points. These players usually decide who wins the game.
3. Where to watch pacers vs knicks if I don’t have cable?
You can stream the games on platforms like YouTube TV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV. Also, many games are available on Amazon Prime Video and Peacock in 2026.
4. Why is Reggie Miller called the “Knick Killer”?
He got this nickname because he played his best basketball against the Knicks. He made many game-winning shots and famously scored 8 points in 9 seconds at Madison Square Garden.
5. How many times have they met in the playoffs?
The teams have played against each other in 9 different playoff series since 1993. This makes them one of the most frequent playoff opponents in NBA history.
6. Are there any upcoming pacers vs knicks matches?
Yes, the teams play several times every season. You should check the official NBA schedule or your local sports app to see when the next showdown at the Garden or Gainbridge Fieldhouse is happening!
