The Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks have a historic rivalry. It’s one that got renewed this year by having these two teams face off in the Eastern Conference Finals.
New York hasn’t been to the NBA Finals since 1999, when they beat the Pacers to get there. Indiana hasn’t been to the Finals since 2000, when they beat the Knicks to advance.
After Game 5, the Pacers still lead the series 3-2. The Knicks were able to stave off elimination and elongate the series.
New York won that must-win Game 5 in front of a fired-up home crowd at Madison Square Garden. The fans in the arena weren’t the only fans who were fired up to watch the game, though.
NBA fans all over were excited to watch the Knicks take down the Pacers. In fact, the ratings were through the roof for an Eastern Conference game.
It was the most-watched Eastern Conference Finals Game 5 since 2018, which is quite a feat.
Thursday night’s Pacers/Knicks game averaged 6.7 million viewers, the most watched ECF, Game 5 since 2018. Viewership peaked with 7.9 million viewers at 9:45Per @TNTSportsUS pic.twitter.com/PQaVtcWXGL
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 30, 2025
The fact that the Knicks are in the game certainly helps the national appeal. They are one of the biggest markets in the NBA, so casual fans are going to watch them play.
Indiana is one of the most fun teams to watch in the league, as well. This is also a historic rivalry, so that’s why so many people are tuning in.
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Surprisingly, the series hasn’t gotten as chippy as some NBA pundits thought it might get. Both teams have been able to keep their cool thus far.
Tyrese Haliburton has had some incredible moments in this series for the Pacers. He is the engine that drives their offense, and he helped cap an insane comeback in Game 1.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have been instrumental in the success the Knicks have had. Both players continue to play well, no matter what Indiana throws at them.
If Indiana makes the NBA Finals, it will be just the second time in franchise history that they will have accomplished that feat.
The Knicks last won an NBA title in 1973, so if they make it, they will be looking to do something they haven’t done in over 50 years.
Meanwhile, the Pacers have never won an NBA championship. A lot is at stake for both franchises as the series winds down to a close.
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