Indianapolis was the center of attention Sunday night, hosting the NBA Eastern Conference Finals and the Indianapolis 500 almost back-to-back. Known for its iconic Motor Speedway, Indianapolis saw the Pacers face off against the New York Knicks in Game 3 at Gainbridge Field House. Despite holding a 20-point lead, the Pacers fell 106-100, cutting their series advantage to 2-1. This outcome raised questions about whether expecting Indiana to easily defeat the Knicks before Sunday was overly optimistic, and if New York’s collapse in Game 1 overstated the gap between these teams.
Some might have predicted this result, noting that the Pacers have historically never won an Eastern Conference Finals home game on the same day as the Indy 500. The first instance was May 30, 1999, when Indiana lost Game 1 to New York 93-90; the Pacers eventually lost the series 4-2, and the Knicks went on to fall to the Spurs in the Finals. In 2004, the Pacers lost Game 5 to the Pistons on Indy 500 day, with Detroit advancing to the Finals to defeat the Lakers. In 2013, Indiana was defeated by LeBron James’ Heat 102-90 in Game 4 after the Indy 500. Most recently in 2025, the Pacers lost Game 3 to the Knicks, making it 0-4 in games played on Indy 500 day in the Eastern Conference Finals while losing every such series.
Though past trends don’t guarantee future results, the Pacers appear to be the stronger team overall. Still, sports fans love seeking patterns, and the Pacers find themselves stuck in a tough streak with only a single Eastern Conference Finals victory separating them and any relief from superstition. Currently leading the series 2-1, the Pacers still have a solid chance to reach the NBA Finals for only the second time in franchise history.
Fan Take: This story highlights how historical patterns and local culture intersect with sports, adding an intriguing layer for basketball fans. Watching the Pacers battle the Knicks amidst the backdrop of the iconic Indy 500 showcases the drama and unpredictability that make the NBA playoffs so captivating.
