Sat May 24 22:50:00 UTC 2025: **Pacers Dominate Knicks, Take Commanding 2-0 Lead in Eastern Conference Finals**
**NEW YORK** – The Indiana Pacers are one step closer to the NBA Finals after defeating the New York Knicks 114-109 on Friday night, seizing a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. Pascal Siakam delivered a playoff career-high 39 points, leading the Pacers to their sixth consecutive road victory since the first round.
The Pacers are heading back to Indiana for Game 3 on Sunday, where they hope to maintain their momentum amid the excitement of the Indianapolis 500. Myles Turner added 16 points, and Tyrese Haliburton contributed 14 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds for Indiana.
Despite Jalen Brunson’s 36 points and 11 assists for the Knicks, they struggled to contain Siakam and the Pacers’ offense. The Knicks showed improved defense after their Game 1 overtime loss but couldn’t overcome a slow start to the fourth quarter. Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns each scored 20 points, but Towns’ limited minutes and a stronger defensive presence from Mitchell Robinson weren’t enough to turn the tide.
The game was tied at 81 after three quarters, but a 13-4 run by the Pacers to start the fourth gave them a lead they would not relinquish. Although the Knicks mounted a late comeback, the Pacers held on for the victory, putting them in a strong position to advance to their first NBA Finals since 2000.
First Piper 