History of Knicks–Pacers rivalry in Timeline

The Knicks-Pacers rivalry is a notable NBA rivalry that intensified between 1993 and 2000, with six playoff series contested during that span. A key element was the animosity between Indiana's Reggie Miller and Knicks fan Spike Lee. It was considered a heated and intense rivalry.

1967: Pacers Franchise Created in ABA

In 1967, with the creation of the Pacers franchise in the ABA, the Knicks and Pacers were indirectly linked together.

1970: Knicks and Pacers Win Championships

In 1970, both the Knicks and Pacers won championships, with the Pacers in the ABA and the Knicks in the NBA.

1971: Knicks Win Exhibition Game Against Pacers

Before each team's 1971 season, the Pacers and Knicks played an exhibition game in September, with the Knicks winning by two at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum. The game was one of the first ABA vs NBA games ever played.

1972: Pacers Win ABA Championship, Knicks Reach NBA Finals

In 1972, the Pacers won another ABA championship, while the Knicks reached the NBA Finals.

1973: Knicks and Pacers Win Championships Again

In 1973, both the Pacers and the Knicks won championships again, adding to their indirect connection through success in their respective leagues.

1977: Rivalry Started

In 1977, the Knicks–Pacers rivalry began, quickly becoming one of the most intense in NBA history.

1981: Williams Joins Pacers

Herb Williams' Pacers career began in 1981.

1985: Controversial Draft Lottery

In 1985, the Knicks and Pacers were at the center of a controversial NBA draft lottery. The "frozen envelope theory" suggests that the NBA rigged the lottery so that Patrick Ewing would join the New York Knicks. The Pacers finished second and drafted Wayman Tisdale.

1985: Williams' Best Season with Pacers

In the 1985-86 season, Herb Williams had a career-best 19.9 points per game as a Pacer.

1989: Williams' Last Full Season with Pacers

1989 marked Herb Williams' last full season with the Pacers, having averaged double figures in all seven of his full seasons with them.

1992: Williams Signed by Knicks

In 1992, Herb Williams signed with the Knicks.

1993: Playoff Meetings Began

In 1993, the Knicks and Pacers began a series of playoff matchups that would occur six times over the next eight years, intensifying their rivalry. This period was marked by the animosity between Reggie Miller and Spike Lee.

1993: First Playoff Meeting

In 1993, the Knicks and Pacers met in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Knicks won the series, but Game 3 is remembered for the trash-talking between Miller and Starks, which led to Starks' ejection.

1994: Reggie Miller's Performance in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals

In 1994, Reggie Miller scored 25 fourth quarter points in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, contributing to memorable moments in the Knicks-Pacers rivalry.

1994: Pacers' Comeback Win Against the Knicks

In 1994, during Game 1, the Pacers achieved an improbable comeback victory against the Knicks, winning 138–135 in overtime. Aaron Nesmith's six 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and Tyrese Haliburton's lucky shot contributed to the win, while the Knicks missed crucial free throws and turnovers. Haliburton made a choke signal towards the crowd harking back to Reggie Miller's sign at Spike Lee in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals.

1994: Knicks Lose to Rockets in NBA Finals

In 1994, the Knicks reached the NBA Finals but lost in seven games to the Rockets. The defeat prevented New York from having both NBA and NHL championships in the same year.

1994: Knicks Reach NBA Finals

In 1994, the Knicks, with Herb Williams on the team, reached the NBA Finals.

1994: Pacers Acquire Mark Jackson

In 1994, the Pacers acquired former Knick Mark Jackson from the Los Angeles Clippers for Pooh Richardson, Malik Sealy, and draft rights to Eric Piatkowski.

1994: Pacers Reach Eastern Conference Finals

In 1994, the Pacers reached the Eastern Conference Finals, seeking revenge against the Knicks. They finished with a 47–35 record and upset the top-seeded Hawks in 6 games.

1994: Subject of Winning Time Documentary

The 1994 series between the Knicks and Pacers was later subject of the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. the New York Knicks.

1995: Reggie Miller's Game 1 Performance

In 1995, Reggie Miller scored 8 points in the last 18.7 seconds to win Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

1995: Miller Time in Game 1

In 1995, during Game 1 in New York, Reggie Miller scored 8 points in 8.9 seconds, leading the Pacers to a 107-105 victory. Despite the Knicks evening the series, the Pacers ultimately won in 7 games.

1995: Knicks Pursue Finals Return

In 1995, the Knicks, after reaching the previous year's Finals, aimed to return, with Anthony Mason named Sixth Man of the Year and contributions from Ewing and Starks. They finished with a 55–27 record and secured home-court advantage against the Pacers.

1995: Pacers Improve and Win Division Title

In 1995, the Pacers improved their team by acquiring Mark Jackson and having players like Rik Smits and Reggie Miller step up their game. They also won their first division title since joining the NBA from the ABA with a record of 52–30.

1995: Subject of Winning Time Documentary

The 1995 series between the Knicks and Pacers was later subject of the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. the New York Knicks.

1996: Jackson Traded to Nuggets

Before the 1996-97 NBA season, Mark Jackson was traded to the Denver Nuggets for Jalen Rose.

1997: Pacers Trade for Jackson Again

In 1997, the Pacers traded for Mark Jackson and LaSalle Thompson at the trade deadline, giving up Vincent Askew, Eddie Johnson, and draft picks.

1998: Reggie Miller's Cameo in "He Got Game"

In 1998, Reggie Miller made a cameo appearance in the film "He Got Game", directed by Spike Lee, despite the animosity between the teams.

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1998: Pacers and Knicks meet in Eastern Conference Semifinals

In 1998, after a 3-year hiatus, the Pacers and Knicks renewed their rivalry in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Pacers were favorites, but the Knicks, without a fully fit Patrick Ewing, had upset the Heat in the first round.

1998: Pacers Miss Playoffs

In 1998, despite the return of Mark Jackson, the Pacers missed the playoffs.

1998: Rivalry Described as Combustible

In 1998, the New York Times described the Knicks-Pacers rivalry as "as combustible as any in the league," highlighting the intensity of their matchups.

1998: Knicks and Pacers enter Playoffs

In the lockout-shortened 1998–99 NBA season, the Knicks had a disappointing regular season but made the playoffs as the eighth seed. The Pacers, considered favorites to win the Eastern Conference, finished as the second seed. The Knicks upset the top-seeded Miami Heat.

1999: Larry Johnson's 4-Point Play

In 1999, Larry Johnson made a 4-point play in the final seconds of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, adding to the rivalry's memorable moments.

1999: Knicks Lose to Spurs in NBA Finals

In 1999, the Knicks reached the NBA Finals but lost in five games to the Spurs.

1999: Knicks Reach NBA Finals Again

In 1999, the Knicks, with Herb Williams, made it to the NBA Finals again.

July 20, 2000: Isiah Thomas Hired as Pacers Head Coach

On July 20, 2000, the Pacers hired Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas as head coach, succeeding Larry Bird.

2000: Playoff Meetings End

By 2000, the Knicks and Pacers had met six times in the playoffs since 1993, marking the end of an era in their intense rivalry.

2000: Jackson Plays in NBA Finals

In 2000, Mark Jackson appeared in his only NBA Finals as the Pacers' starting point guard.

2000: Pacers Lose to Lakers in NBA Finals

In 2000, after defeating the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers reached the NBA Finals but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

2000: Previous Conference Final Matchup

In 2000, the Pacers reached the NBA Finals. The Pacers meeting the Knicks in the 2025 conference finals is a rematch since 2000.

2001: Jackson Returns to Knicks

In 2001, Mark Jackson returned to the Knicks and helped them reach the playoffs.

2001: Knicks' Playoff Struggles Begin

Starting in 2001, the Knicks experienced significant struggles after the Ewing era, failing to win a single playoff series from 2001 to 2012.

2002: Jones Drafted by Pacers

In 2002, Fred Jones was drafted by the Pacers, selected by Isiah Thomas.

December 22, 2003: Thomas Hired by Knicks

On December 22, 2003, Isiah Thomas was hired by the Knicks as president of basketball operations after serving as head coach for the Pacers.

2003: Herb Williams Joins Knicks Coaching Staff

In 2003, Pacers legend Herb Williams joined the Knicks as an assistant coach.

2003: Playoff Format Change

Prior to 2003, the NBA playoff format had a best-of-5 first round, contrasting with the best-of-7 series used later.

2004: Jones Wins Slam Dunk Contest

In 2004, Fred Jones won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest as a member of the Pacers.

2004: Jackson Retires

In 2004, Mark Jackson retired from the NBA after a successful career.

2005: Pacers Struggle After Miller's Retirement

Beginning in 2005, the Pacers struggled after Reggie Miller's retirement, making the playoffs only once between 2005 and 2010.

2005: Davis and Curry Traded to Knicks

In 2005, the Chicago Bulls traded Antonio Davis and Eddy Curry to the Knicks for Michael Sweetney, Tim Thomas, and Jermaine Jackson.

2006: Rose Traded to Raptors

In 2006, Antonio Davis was traded to the Toronto Raptors for former Pacers star Jalen Rose, a draft pick, and cash. Rose later joined the Phoenix Suns.

2006: Thomas Becomes Knicks Head Coach

In 2006, Isiah Thomas became the head coach of the Knicks.

2007: Knicks Acquire Fred Jones

In 2007, the Knicks acquired former Pacer Fred Jones, along with Zach Randolph and Dan Dickau, from the Portland Trail Blazers for Channing Frye and Steve Francis.

2008: Thomas Steps Down as Knicks Head Coach

In 2008, Isiah Thomas stepped down as the head coach of the Knicks.

2008: Knicks Acquire Al Harrington

In 2008, the Knicks acquired former Pacer Al Harrington in exchange for Jamal Crawford.

2010: Pacers Struggle After Miller's Retirement Conclude

Between 2005 and 2010, the Pacers struggled after Reggie Miller's retirement, making the playoffs only once between 2005 and 2010.

2010: Release of Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. the New York Knicks

In 2010, Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. the New York Knicks, directed by Dan Klores, was released as part of the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary series.

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2011: Knicks and Pacers Rebuild and Return to Playoffs

In 2011, the Knicks, led by Carmelo Anthony, and the Pacers, led by Paul George, rebuilt their teams and returned to the playoffs, marking a resurgence for both franchises.

2012: Knicks' Playoff Struggles End

Ending in 2012, The Knicks didn't win a single playoff series from 2001 to 2012.

May 3, 2013: Knicks and Pacers Win First Round Series

On May 3, 2013, both the Knicks and Pacers won their respective first-round playoff series. The Knicks beat the Celtics, while the Pacers defeated the Hawks, setting up a series between the two teams, which Pacers won in six games.

2013: Copeland Signs with Pacers; World Peace Acquired by Knicks

In 2013, Chris Copeland signed with the Pacers after the Knicks declined to match their offer. The Knicks acquired Metta World Peace.

2013: Rivalry Renewed in Playoffs

In 2013, the Knicks-Pacers rivalry was briefly renewed during the Eastern Conference Semifinals, with Indiana winning in 6 games.

2014: Copeland's Production Drops

In 2014, Chris Copeland's production decreased with the Pacers, averaging 3.7 points in 41 games.

2014: Williams Leaves Knicks Coaching Staff

In 2014, Herb Williams left the Knicks coaching staff.

2015: Williams Joins New York Liberty

In 2015, Herb Williams joined the New York Liberty.

2015: Hill Signs with Pacers

In 2015, Jordan Hill, former Knicks center, signed with the Pacers.

2016: Séraphin Signs with Pacers

In 2016, Kevin Séraphin, former Knicks center, signed with the Pacers.

2016: Villanova Wildcats Championship

The Knicks' 2023 roster had several players from the 2016 Villanova Wildcats national championship team, leading to the nickname "Nova Knicks".

2017: Jack Signs with Knicks; Anthony Traded Away

In 2017, Jarrett Jack, former Pacer, signed with the Knicks. The Knicks traded Carmelo Anthony for Doug McDermott, Enes Kanter, and a 2018 pick.

2017: Pacers Reach Playoffs

In 2017, Jordan Hill and Kevin Seraphin helped the Pacers reach the playoffs as backups to Myles Turner.

July 6, 2018: McDermott Signs with Pacers

On July 6, 2018, Doug McDermott signed with the Pacers after being traded from the Knicks.

2019: Pacers Reach Playoffs

In 2019, Doug McDermott helped the Pacers reach the playoffs.

2019: Williams Leaves New York Liberty

In 2019, Herb Williams left the New York Liberty.

2019: Knicks Trade Porziņģis

In 2019, the Knicks traded Kristaps Porziņģis to the Dallas Mavericks. Wesley Matthews signed with the Pacers after being waived by the Knicks.

2020: Pacers Reach Playoffs Again

In 2020, Doug McDermott helped the Pacers reach the playoffs once again.

2020: Draft selections

In 2020, Obi Toppin was the 8th overall pick in the NBA draft. He later joined other 2020 draft picks such as Jalen Smith, Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith, Jordan Nwora and James Wiseman on the Pacers.

2021: Tom Thibodeau Named Coach of the Year

In 2021, Tom Thibodeau was named Coach of the Year for his performance with the Knicks.

2021: Draft Pick to Knicks

In 2021, as part of a trade from 2019, the Knicks received an unprotected first-round draft pick.

2023: Draft Pick to Knicks

In 2023, as part of a trade from 2019, the Knicks received a top-ten protected first-round draft pick.

2023: Nova Knicks Nickname

In 2023, the Knicks were nicknamed the "Nova Knicks" due to the presence of several players from the 2016 Villanova Wildcats national championship team.

2023: Pacers acquire Obi Toppin

In 2023, the Pacers acquired Obi Toppin from the Knicks in exchange for two future second-round picks.

2023: Knicks and Pacers Record in 2023-24

The Knicks finished their 2023–24 season 50–32, while the Pacers ended their 2023–24 season 47–35.

June 28, 2024: Tyrese Haliburton appearance on Smackdown

On June 28, 2024, Tyrese Haliburton appeared on Smackdown at Madison Square Garden for Logan Paul's Money in the Bank qualifier match. Jalen Brunson confronted Haliburton, and Paul "Triple H" Levesque later referenced the rivalry in a tweet.

2024: McDermott Returns to Pacers

In 2024, Doug McDermott returned to the Pacers in a trade, helping them reach the Eastern Conference Finals.

2024: Knicks' Roster Changes

In 2024, after losing to the Pacers in the playoffs, the Knicks lost Isaiah Hartenstein and Alec Burks. They acquired Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves and Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, reuniting Bridges with former Villanova teammates. They also signed Cameron Payne, P. J. Tucker, Landry Shamet, and acquired Delon Wright to improve their bench.

2024: Knicks acquire Bogdanović and Washington Jr.; Pacers win game seven

In 2024, the Knicks acquired Bojan Bogdanović and Duane Washington Jr. from the Pacers. Later that same year, the Knicks and Pacers met in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, with the Pacers winning game seven in New York.

2024: Rivalry Renewed Again in Playoffs

In 2024, the Knicks-Pacers rivalry was renewed once again during the NBA playoffs in the Eastern Conference Semifinals following the Pacers upsetting the Knicks in game 7.

2024: Holiday and Porziņģis Win NBA Championship

In the 2024 NBA Finals, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis won the championship with the Boston Celtics.

2024: Injuries and Playoff Seeding in 2024

In the 2024 NBA Playoffs, both the Knicks' Julius Randle and the Pacers' Bennedict Mathurin missed the entire series due to injuries. The Knicks were the 2nd seed with a 50–32 record, while the Pacers were the 6th seed with a 47–35 record.

May 25, 2025: Knicks' Comeback Win in Game 3

On May 25, 2025, Game 3 was held in Indianapolis on the same day as the Indy 500. The Knicks, despite trailing by 16 points in the third quarter, made a comeback to win 106–100 on the road, avoiding a 3–0 deficit. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 20 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter.

June 3, 2025: Tom Thibodeau Fired

On June 3, 2025, the Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau following their playoff loss to the Pacers, despite leading the team to consecutive 50-win seasons.

2025: Knicks and Pacers in Eastern Conference Finals

In 2025, the Knicks and Pacers met again in the NBA playoffs, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for a chance to play in the NBA Finals.

2025: Rivalry Renewed in Eastern Conference Finals

In 2025, the Knicks-Pacers rivalry was renewed again in the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA playoffs.

2025: Pacers Win Series, Advance to NBA Finals

In 2025, the Pacers hosted Game 6 and defeated the Knicks 125–108, winning the series in 6 games. Pascal Siakam was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP. The Pacers advanced to the 2025 NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.