Carlisle on Pacers & Knicks Rivalry

Despite the current Stephen Curry-inspired NBA landscape, the rivalry between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks inspires generations of fans thanks to their physicality, pettiness, and raunchy taunts. Furthermore, the multiple seven-game series between the franchises build the stakes.

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle recently discussed the significance of playing the Knicks in the playoffs, specifically at Madison Square Garden. “When you win a Game 7 in Madison Square Garden, you’ve made history,” Carlisle said after the game. “It’s very, very difficult to do. This is the most raucous crowd in the NBA.”

Historically, the Pacers hold the edge over the Knicks with a 5-3 record in the playoffs. The Knicks haven't won a playoff series over the Pacers since 1999, the lockout season in which New York made the NBA Finals

Regarding winning a Game 7 in Madison Square Garden, the Pacers achieved such a feat twice - winning in 2024 and 1995.

The Knicks came into the semifinals as the favorites, mainly due to having the two-seed in the Eastern Conference. After falling 2-0 to the Knicks, the Pacers exploded for multiple blowout victories, including an NBA playoff-record 61 percent shooting mark from the field.

It's plausible the two franchises will face each other for the eighth series in NBA postseason history, but the Knicks will have a more formidable and perhaps healthier roster in 2025.

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However, history is on the Pacers' side, pending another long series between the Eastern Conference contenders.