It felt like the walls were closing in on the Knicks long before the final buzzer rang out in Indianapolis. If you were watching, you saw it. Josh Hart, the man who seemingly never tires, was doubled over, clutching his midsection in a way that made every Knicks fan in the world wince.
The Indiana Pacers didn't just win a basketball game on May 17, 2024. They systematically dismantled a New York team that had run out of miracles.
By the time the scoreboard settled at 116-103, the series was headed back to Madison Square Garden for a Game 7. But honestly? The momentum had already shifted. You could feel it in the air at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers were faster, deeper, and frankly, just healthier.
The Night the Pacers Knicks Game 6 Drama Peaked
Pascal Siakam was the story. Let’s be real. While everyone talks about Tyrese Haliburton’s flashy passing—and he was great, finishing with 15 points and 9 assists—Siakam was the steady hand that kept the ship steady. He dropped 25 points on a variety of mid-range jumpers and opportunistic buckets in the paint.
He looked like a veteran who had been there before. Because he has.
New York's defense, usually a suffocating blanket under Tom Thibodeau, looked like it was made of Swiss cheese. Indiana's bench outscored the Knicks' reserves by a staggering margin. It wasn't even close. T.J. McConnell was a pest, Ben Sheppard was hitting shots, and the energy in that building was enough to power a small city.
📖 Related: Formula One Points Table Explained: Why the Math Matters More Than the Racing
- Final Score: Pacers 116, Knicks 103
- Series Status: Tied 3-3
- Top Scorer: Pascal Siakam (25 pts)
- The Turning Point: A 16-7 run to close the second quarter
Josh Hart and the Injury Bug
It’s impossible to talk about this game without mentioning the "abdominal soreness" that sidelined Josh Hart. He had been the Ironman of these playoffs. The guy was playing 48 minutes a night like it was a casual run at the YMCA.
When he subbed himself out in the third quarter, the collective heart of Manhattan skipped a beat.
The Knicks were already playing without Julius Randle. They were missing Mitchell Robinson. Bojan Bogdanovic was gone for the season. OG Anunoby was stuck on the bench in street clothes. When Hart went down, the burden on Jalen Brunson became unfair.
Brunson still managed 31 points, which is insane when you consider he missed 11 straight shots at one point in the first half. He’s a warrior. But a warrior needs an army, and by the end of this game, he was mostly fighting alone.
Why Indiana's Home Court Was a Fortress
Indiana was 6-0 at home in the 2024 postseason after this win. That’s a stat that doesn't get enough love. The fans in Indy are smart, they’re loud, and they know exactly when to get under an opponent's skin.
👉 See also: El Paso Locomotive FC Standings: Why the 2025 Surge Changes Everything for 2026
The Pacers recorded 35 assists as a team. Think about that for a second. That is elite ball movement. They weren't just taking tough shots; they were creating wide-open looks through sheer unselfishness. Andrew Nembhard and Myles Turner combined for 32 points, filling in the gaps whenever the Knicks tried to double-team Haliburton.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Series
People like to say the Knicks gave it away. They didn't. They were exhausted.
Indiana’s pace—pardon the pun—is designed to kill you in a seven-game series. They want to run. They want the game to be a track meet. By Game 6, the Knicks' heavy-minute starters were running on fumes.
Rick Carlisle made a brilliant adjustment by leaning into the rebounding. After getting bullied on the glass in Game 5, Indiana actually out-rebounded New York 44-37. When you take away the Knicks' ability to get second-chance points, you take away their soul.
The Statistical Anomalies
Jalen Brunson joined a short list of Knicks players to score 400+ points in a single postseason during this game. He’s up there with Patrick Ewing and Bernard King now.
✨ Don't miss: Duke Football Recruiting 2025: Manny Diaz Just Flipped the Script in Durham
But individual brilliance rarely beats a balanced offensive machine. The Pacers had six players in double figures. That is how you win a do-or-die game.
Actionable Takeaways for the Next Season
If you're a fan or a bettor looking at how this impacts future matchups between these two rivals, keep these factors in mind:
- Depth is King: The Knicks' lack of a deep bench caught up to them. Indiana’s "Next Man Up" mentality actually worked because their "next men" were starting-caliber players like McConnell and Toppin.
- Health Management: Thibodeau’s reputation for playing starters heavy minutes will always be a talking point. Going forward, the Knicks must find a way to preserve their core if they want to survive the gauntlet of the Eastern Conference.
- The Siakam Effect: Having a secondary creator who can score in the post is the perfect foil for a high-volume point guard like Haliburton. Expect Indiana to double down on this chemistry.
The 2024 Pacers Knicks Game 6 wasn't just a win; it was a statement that the balance of power in the East was shifting. Indiana proved they weren't just a "happy to be here" young team. They were a problem.
For those tracking the long-term rivalry, watch how both front offices approached the 2025 off-season. The Knicks went for star power with Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, while the Pacers focused on internal growth and chemistry. Both paths lead through each other.