The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers have a storied history as rivals in the NBA playoffs, particularly during the 1990s. From the 1992-93 through 1999-2000 seasons, the two teams faced each other six times in the playoffs, with each team winning three series.
In 1993, the Knicks defeated the Pacers 3-1 in the first round of the playoffs. The Knicks, led by coach Pat Riley, were the top seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Pacers, the eighth seed, put up a strong fight but ultimately fell to the Knicks.
The following year, in 1994, the Knicks and Pacers met again, this time in the conference finals. The Knicks emerged victorious in a hard-fought series, advancing to the NBA Finals but ultimately losing to the Houston Rockets.
In 1995, the Pacers turned the tables on the Knicks, defeating them 4-3 in the conference semifinals. The series featured memorable moments, including Reggie Miller's clutch performances that propelled the Pacers to victory.
In 1998, the Pacers defeated the Knicks 4-1 in the conference semifinals, showcasing their strength under coach Larry Bird. Despite a valiant effort by the Knicks, the Pacers proved to be the superior team in that series.
In 1999, the Knicks exacted revenge on the Pacers, defeating them 4-2 in the conference finals. The Knicks, led by Allan Houston and Larry Johnson, went on an unexpected playoff run that culminated in a showdown with the Pacers.
In 2000, the Pacers got their revenge by defeating the Knicks 4-2 in the conference finals. This victory propelled the Pacers to their first NBA Finals appearance, where they ultimately fell to the Los Angeles Lakers.
While both teams have had their share of playoff successes and failures over the years, their matchups in the 1990s remain etched in the memories of fans as some of the most intense and competitive series in NBA history.
