Honestly, the Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks is just one of those matchups where the regular season record usually goes right out the window. You’ve seen it before. The Garden is buzzing, Spike Lee is chirping from the sidelines, and somehow a game that should be a blowout turns into a total stress-fest for everyone involved.
Take their recent meeting on December 18, 2025. On paper, it was a mismatch. The Knicks were rolling at 18-7, fresh off an NBA Cup title high, while the Pacers were basically a walking hospital wing at 6-20. But Indiana walked into Gainbridge Fieldhouse (and eventually MSG later in the season) and acted like they owned the place. They jumped out to a 16-point lead. Sixteen!
The Knicks eventually clawed back—because Jalen Brunson does Jalen Brunson things—but it took a literal last-second three-pointer from him with 4.4 seconds left to escape with a 114-113 win. It was a heartbreaker for Rick Carlisle, who was sitting right on the doorstep of his 1,000th career win. He’s still waiting for that milestone, by the way.
Why the Knicks-Pacers Rivalry is Actually Different Now
We all remember the 90s. Reggie Miller choking, the "8 points in 9 seconds" nightmare, and the constant physical brawls between Patrick Ewing and the Davis boys. It was cinematic. But the modern version of the Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks is less about fistfights and more about a clash of extreme basketball philosophies.
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The Knicks, under Mike Brown (who stepped in recently), have become this powerhouse built on Jalen Brunson’s surgical precision and Karl-Anthony Towns’ ability to break a defense's brain by shooting threes at seven feet tall. They play a heavy, deliberate style. They want to grind you down.
Indiana, at least when they’re healthy, wants to run until your lungs burn. Even with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined recently due to that brutal Achilles surgery, the DNA of the team hasn't changed. They still try to shove the ball down your throat in transition. When Andrew Nembhard goes off for 31 points like he did in December, or Pascal Siakam starts finding those midrange spots, the Knicks’ defense—which is usually elite—starts to look a little human.
The Brunson vs. The Pacers Defense Problem
If you're wondering why Jalen Brunson seems to treat Indiana like a personal scrimmage, you're not alone. In their last few meetings, he’s been averaging nearly 30 points. But it’s not just the scoring. It’s the way he draws fouls.
During the December game, the Pacers were so frustrated they burned a challenge on a first-quarter foul where Nembhard supposedly "pulled the chair" on Brunson. They lost the challenge. It felt like a turning point. When you’re playing the Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks, small mental lapses like that at the Garden usually end in a New York run that’s impossible to stop.
Key Factors That Swing These Games
- The Frontcourt Vacuum: Without Isaiah Jackson or James Wiseman, Indiana is incredibly thin. They’ve been relying on Jay Huff and small-ball lineups. If Karl-Anthony Towns or Mikal Bridges decide to crash the glass, the Pacers simply don't have the size to keep them off.
- The "Nembhard" Factor: Andrew Nembhard is basically a Knick-killer in training. He dropped 31 on them recently. When he’s aggressive, it forces the Knicks to pull OG Anunoby off Siakam to deal with him, and that’s when the Pacers’ offense actually starts to flow.
- Health (Or Lack Thereof): Let's be real. The Pacers are missing Haliburton, Obi Toppin (stress fracture), and Aaron Nesmith. That’s a lot of production sitting in suits. The Knicks have their own issues with OG Anunoby’s knee and Josh Hart’s abdominal strain, but their depth—specifically Deuce McBride—is just on another level right now.
What to Look for Next Time They Meet
The next time the Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks shows up on the calendar, don't just look at the standings.
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Look at the pace. If Indiana has the Knicks running back to their own basket before the TV cameras can even reset, the Pacers have a chance. But if the game slows down into a half-court chess match, Jalen Brunson is going to pick them apart every single time.
The rivalry is alive, even if the names on the jerseys have changed. It’s still about Indiana’s "blue collar, gold swagger" trying to punch New York’s high-priced superstars in the mouth.
Actionable Insights for the Next Matchup:
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- Watch the Injury Report: If OG Anunoby is out, Pascal Siakam is likely going for 30+. There is nobody else on that Knicks roster who can truly bother him one-on-one for four quarters.
- Live Betting Tip: If the Pacers are up by 10+ in the first half, don't buy it yet. The Knicks under Mike Brown have become comeback specialists, especially at home.
- The Bench Battle: Keep an eye on Deuce McBride. He’s become the X-factor for New York. If he’s hitting his corner threes, Indiana’s zone defense collapses.
Whether it's a playoff preview or a mid-January grind, this matchup always delivers something weird. Just don't expect a blowout, no matter what the records say.