‘JUST IN’:Indiana Pacers’ determination to stick to their fast-paced playing style…Read more
“Unstoppable Pacers Defy Odds with High-Speed Gameplay, Reach Eastern Conference Finals Despite Criticism”
NEW YORK (AP) – The Indiana Pacers are returning to the Eastern Conference finals and have no intention of slowing down when they get there. They excel at playing fast, which contributed to their record-setting offensive performance during the regular season. Although playoff games are usually slower-paced, the Pacers aren’t buying into the idea that a slower tempo is necessary for success.
“I think we’re slowly changing the mindset in the NBA that you have to play slow in the playoffs,” said point guard Tyrese Haliburton. “We can just continue to be who we are.”
In Game 7 against New York, the Pacers achieved the best shooting performance in NBA playoff history, hitting 67.1% of their shots in a 130-109 win over the Knicks. This victory sends them to Boston to face the top-seeded Celtics, who had the league’s best record and were anticipated to reach the conference finals.
Indiana, the No. 6 seed in the East, was a surprise contender and needed to prove their regular season style could succeed in the playoffs.
“We’re the uninvited guest,” said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. “So here we are.”
Indiana led the NBA with 123.3 points per game during the regular season, the sixth-highest average in league history, and set a record by scoring 140 points 11 times. Haliburton credits their strong bench, which allows them to keep fresh players on the floor and wear down opponents.
This offensive firepower helped them reach the championship game of the inaugural In-Season Tournament, where they beat the Celtics in the quarterfinals. However, Carlisle doubted it would be enough in a seven-game series and told his players in December that they needed to improve defensively.
“I told our guys we need to make a stand and get better,” Carlisle said. “Our historic offensive pace wasn’t sustainable without consistent defense and rebounding.”
Despite a strong start Sunday, scoring 39 points in the first quarter—the most in a Game 7—and shooting 76.3% in the first half, the Pacers had to rely on improved defense to secure the win. The Knicks cut a 22-point deficit to 77-70 in the third quarter before the Pacers forced three turnovers, including steals by Aaron Nesmith and Haliburton, and a five-second violation by New York. This defensive effort led to seven straight points, pushing the lead back up to 14.
Indiana’s defense is likely not strong enough to stop Boston in the series starting Tuesday. To win, the Pacers will need their offense to be in top form.
Their fast-paced style got the Pacers back into the postseason for the first time since 2020 and has now brought them to the conference finals for the first time since 2014.
Leaving Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Haliburton wore a sweatshirt featuring Reggie Miller making a choking gesture from a past playoff game against the Knicks.
While Haliburton’s attire was nostalgic, his team’s playing style is modern.
“It’s just the old-school belief that you can’t play this fast in the playoffs, but I think we can do t opportunistically,” Haliburton said. “If we can get stops, we can definitely play this way.”
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