Knicks vs Pacers: All-Time Rivalry Stats, History, and Defining Moments
The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers have produced one of the NBA’s most intense interconference rivalries since the 1990s realignment placed them in the Eastern Conference together. Fueled by playoff battles, star power, and unforgettable Madison Square Garden moments, this rivalry blends elite basketball with cultural drama.
Key Takeaways
- All-time head-to-head: The Pacers hold a slight edge in total wins across regular season and playoffs combined.
- Playoff history: The teams have met multiple times in the Eastern Conference playoffs, with Indiana winning more series overall.
- Golden era: The rivalry peaked in the 1990s, highlighted by Reggie Miller vs Patrick Ewing and the Spike Lee courtside saga.
- Statistical edge: Pacers playoff offensive efficiency frequently outpaced New York during key series.
- 2024–2025 context: A new generation featuring Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton has reignited competitive relevance.
All-Time Head-to-Head Record
As of the 2024–2025 NBA season, the Knicks and Pacers have faced each other more than 200 times in regular season competition, with Indiana holding a narrow all-time advantage.
CategoryKnicksPacersRegular Season WinsApprox. 100+Approx. 110+Playoff Wins20+25+Total Matchups200+
While Indiana has historically held the numerical edge, the overall margin remains slim relative to total games played. The rivalry has often swung in cycles depending on roster strength and coaching eras.
Home vs Away Trends
- Madison Square Garden has historically amplified intensity, especially in playoff settings.
- Indiana’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse has provided decisive wins in elimination scenarios.
- Playoff home-court advantage has mattered, though several series were defined by key road victories.
Complete Playoff Series History
The Knicks and Pacers playoff meetings define the rivalry more than regular-season contests. Their postseason encounters often carried Eastern Conference Finals implications.
YearRoundWinnerSeries Result1993First RoundKnicks3–11994Eastern Conference FinalsKnicks4–31995Eastern Conference SemifinalsPacers4–31998Eastern Conference SemifinalsPacers4–11999Eastern Conference FinalsKnicks4–22000Eastern Conference FinalsPacers4–22013Eastern Conference SemifinalsPacers4–22024Eastern Conference SemifinalsPacers4–3
Playoff Series Record
Indiana holds the edge in total playoff series wins. Their victories often came via superior shooting efficiency and late-game execution, particularly through Reggie Miller’s perimeter dominance.
Era-by-Era Statistical Breakdown
The 1990s: Defensive Battles and Clutch Shooting
- Average combined score: Often under 190 points per game.
- Primary style: Half-court offense, physical defense.
- Signature stat: Indiana’s three-point efficiency consistently outperformed New York during playoff matchups.
The Knicks relied heavily on Patrick Ewing’s interior scoring and rim protection. Indiana countered with perimeter spacing and late-clock execution led by Miller and Mark Jackson.
2000s: Transitional Years
After their 2000 Eastern Conference Finals meeting, both franchises entered rebuilding phases. Head-to-head matchups lacked postseason stakes but shifted stylistically toward faster tempos and evolving offensive systems.
2010s: Melo vs Paul George
The rivalry resurfaced in 2013 when Carmelo Anthony’s Knicks faced Paul George’s Pacers. Indiana’s elite defense ranked near the top in defensive efficiency, limiting New York’s isolation-heavy scoring attack.
2020s: Brunson vs Haliburton
In the 2024 postseason, Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton redefined the rivalry for a new era. Offensive ratings reached modern playoff highs compared to the 1990s slugfests, reflecting the league-wide pace and spacing evolution.
Advanced Metrics Comparison
Beyond win-loss totals, advanced analytics reveal how Indiana frequently gained small but critical statistical advantages.
- Playoff Offensive Rating: Pacers historically posted slightly higher efficiency during series wins.
- Three-Point Percentage: Indiana often shot above league average in playoff matchups against New York.
- Turnover Margin: Knicks teams of the 1990s created defensive stops but sometimes struggled with half-court ball security.
- Clutch Net Rating: Reggie Miller-led teams excelled in final five-minute scenarios of close playoff games.
In contrast, New York’s defensive rebound rate and paint protection metrics were typically superior during their series victories.
Iconic Moments That Defined the Rivalry
Reggie Miller’s 8 Points in 9 Seconds (1995)
This remains one of the most replayed sequences in NBA playoff history. Miller’s late-game surge stunned Madison Square Garden and cemented the rivalry’s emotional intensity.
Spike Lee Courtside Confrontations
The cultural element elevated national attention. Miller’s exchanges with Spike Lee became symbolic of small-market vs big-market tension.
Ewing’s Redemption Game 7 (1994)
Patrick Ewing’s decisive Game 7 performance in the Eastern Conference Finals propelled New York to the NBA Finals and stands as a franchise-defining moment.
2024 Game 7 Offensive Showcase
The 2024 semifinal Game 7 set modern scoring benchmarks for the matchup, underlining how dramatically the rivalry’s style has evolved.
Team Performance Trends by Decade
DecadeWinning EdgeDefining Trait1990sSlight Pacers EdgePhysical defense, clutch shooting2000sEven SplitRebuilding periods2010sPacersDefensive efficiency dominance2020sCompetitiveHigh offensive ratings, star guards
How the Rivalry Impacted the NBA
- Defined Eastern Conference power dynamics during the Jordan era hiatus years.
- Elevated small-market credibility through Indiana’s sustained playoff success.
- Created nationally televised drama that boosted ratings.
- Influenced league narratives around clutch performance and hostility intensity.
Few rivalries successfully combined star power, postseason stakes, and cross-generational relevance in the way Knicks vs Pacers has.
Current Outlook: Is the Rivalry Back?
With both franchises competitive entering 2025, the rivalry has regained national significance. Advanced metrics place both teams among top-tier offensive units, and their recent playoff series proved intensity remains intact.
If both clubs continue building around All-Star level guards and deep supporting casts, future postseason matchups could further shift the all-time statistical balance.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Knicks vs Pacers Rivalry
Who leads the all-time Knicks vs Pacers series?
As of the 2024–2025 season, the Indiana Pacers hold a slight lead over the New York Knicks in total head-to-head wins across the regular season and playoffs combined.
How many playoff series have the Knicks and Pacers played?
You have eight playoff series between the Knicks and Pacers, with Indiana winning more series overall, especially in the mid‑1990s and 2010s.
Why is the Knicks vs Pacers rivalry considered so intense?
You see high stakes, close playoff series, and memorable moments like Reggie Miller’s late‑game heroics at Madison Square Garden, plus the cultural spotlight from Spike Lee’s courtside presence.
What was Reggie Miller’s 8 points in 9 seconds?
In the 1995 playoffs at Madison Square Garden, Reggie Miller scored 8 points in 9 seconds against the Knicks, turning a near‑certain New York win into a stunning Pacers comeback victory.
Is the Knicks vs Pacers rivalry still active today?
Yes. With stars like Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton and a dramatic seven‑game series in 2024, you can see the rivalry gaining fresh energy in the 2020s.
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