In a blend of athletic prowess and sharp wit, the Indiana Pacers don`t just win; they redefine what it means to claim victory in the digital age, especially against an old rival.
The Indiana Pacers have done it. For the first time since the year 2000, the franchise is heading to the NBA Finals. But their journey to contention wasn`t just marked by dominant basketball; it was underscored by a decidedly modern approach to victory — one that involved a generous helping of digital banter aimed squarely at their vanquished Eastern Conference Finals opponents, the New York Knicks.
The Core Victory: A Path to the Finals
Their six-game triumph over the New York Knicks, sealed with a commanding 125-108 Game 6 victory, was a testament to their collective strength. Pascal Siakam, the newly crowned Eastern Conference Finals MVP, led the charge with 31 points. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton orchestrated the offense with a remarkable 21 points and 13 rebounds, achieving a rare statistical feat of over 60 assists with fewer than 10 turnovers in a series – a conference finals first. This wasn`t just a win; it was a comprehensive demonstration of team cohesion and individual brilliance, setting the stage for a Finals showdown against NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A Rivalry Rekindled: History in the Making
The rivalry between the Pacers and Knicks is not new; it`s practically etched into NBA lore. The Pacers` victory marks their fourth playoff series win over New York in the 21st century (2000, 2013, 2024, and now 2025). To highlight this sustained dominance, the Pacers’ social media team cleverly released a graphic featuring their starting five towering over a cityscape adorned with New York`s iconic Empire State Building and One Vanderbilt tower. It was a visual mic drop, asserting geographical, if not always statistical, superiority. One might observe that the Pacers seem to have developed a particular fondness for packing up New York teams, a recurring theme that adds a delightful layer of irony to their victories.
The Digital Battlefield: Pacers` Social Media Offensive
The digital jabs didn`t stop there. The Pacers also took a direct shot at New York`s famed moniker, `the Big Apple,` by compiling a post featuring the sports pages of various newspapers from each game they won against the Knicks. It was a subtle, yet effective, way of saying: “We`ve been biting into this apple for a while now, and it tastes pretty sweet.” In an era where team social media accounts are an extension of their on-court personality, the Pacers have clearly mastered the art of the post-victory taunt, much to the delight of their fans and, presumably, the chagrin of their rivals.
Haliburton`s Homage and Counter-Punch
Perhaps the most poignant, and certainly most theatrical, moments of post-series defiance came courtesy of Tyrese Haliburton himself. Channeling the spirit of Pacers legend Reggie Miller, who famously made the “choking gesture” toward Knicks fan Spike Lee in 1994, Haliburton replicated the move in Game 1 after a significant comeback. The message was clear: a torch had been passed, and the legacy of Knicks vexation continued. The entertainment continued off-court when actor and avid Knicks fan Ben Stiller tweeted about Haliburton`s duffle bag pre-Game 6: “Good thing he brought his duffle for the flight to NY.” Haliburton`s deadpan response after the series win? “Nah, was to pack y`all up.” A verbal slam dunk, if ever there was one. It’s a testament to the fact that modern athletes are not just performers; they are also adept at the quick-witted retort, a trait Haliburton seems to have mastered with exceptional finesse.
Keeping the “Receipts”: A Nod to Fan Engagement
Beyond the playful jabs, there was also a more personal element to Haliburton’s post-series commentary. Throughout the playoffs, Knicks fans were noted for their fervent, at times aggressive, antics. One particular incident involved a Pacers fan being heckled and having garbage bags thrown at him in New York for wearing a Haliburton jersey. Haliburton, demonstrating both class and a keen memory, invited the accosted fan to attend Game 4 in Indianapolis. His post-series highlights reel, adorned with the caption “kept the receipts,” served as a powerful reminder that even in victory, such moments are not forgotten. It was a subtle nod to accountability, wrapped in a highlight package that showcased his brilliance on the court and his sharp memory off it.
The Road Ahead: More Than Just Basketball
As the Indiana Pacers now prepare to face NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, they do so not just as a dominant basketball team, but as champions of both the court and the digital narrative. Their journey to the Finals has been a compelling blend of athletic prowess and strategic wit, proving that sometimes, the best way to celebrate a hard-earned victory is to simply pack up the competition – literally and figuratively. For the Pacers, winning is just the beginning; the real fun, it seems, is in the follow-up.
