The rivalry between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers has been reignited both on the court and in the spotlight during the Eastern Conference Finals. After the Pacers’ decisive win on Saturday night, Tyrese Haliburton had the last laugh at the expense of well-known Knicks supporter Ben Stiller. Throughout the Knicks’ playoff journey, Stiller was frequently seen courtside, and in the final conference game, he once again caught Haliburton’s attention.
Before Game 6, the Pacers shared a video on social media showing Haliburton walking into Gainbridge Field House with a duffel bag, to which Stiller joked that he must be packing for Game 7 in New York. However, no extra games were on the horizon, as Indiana defeated New York 125-108 to secure their spot in the NBA Finals. Haliburton contributed 21 points and 13 assists and hinted at a playful jab directed at Stiller after the game.
Haliburton showed no hesitation in celebrating against the Knicks and their fans. After hitting a crucial game-tying shot in Indiana’s stunning Game 1 comeback, he mimicked Reggie Miller’s iconic choking gesture. Moving past the Knicks, the Pacers are set to compete in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000, when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.
Coach Rick Carlisle reminded everyone of the stakes: “This isn’t the time to pop champagne,” he said. “At this stage of the season, it’s two teams with one goal—it’s all or nothing, and we understand the magnitude.”
Fan Take: This confrontation highlights how player personalities and fan engagement enrich the intensity of playoff basketball. For fans, the renewed Pacers-Knicks rivalry and Indiana’s return to the Finals signal an exciting chapter that could inspire greater competition and memorable moments in the sport’s future.
