Following the New York Knicks' significant victory over the Boston Celtics, where they triumphed with a score of 119-81 in Game 6, the Eastern Conference Finals matchup has been determined. Fans of 1990s NBA basketball will likely feel a wave of nostalgia as the Knicks prepare to face the Indiana Pacers, a pairing reminiscent of the heated matchups between legends Patrick Ewing and Reggie Miller. The stage is set for a series that could echo the intensity and rivalry of those classic encounters.

As the series approaches, one key player to watch is Tyrese Haliburton, who is leading the playoffs with an average of 17.5 points and 9.3 assists per game. However, he is not even the leading scorer for the Pacers during the postseason, a title held by Pascal Siakam with an impressive average of 18.8 points. The scoring distribution among Indiana's roster adds an extra layer of complexity for opponents, as six other rotation players contribute between eight and 17 points per game. This balance in scoring, combined with Haliburton's ability to facilitate plays without favoritism to individual teammates, presents a formidable challenge for the Knicks' defense.

The Knicks have demonstrated proficiency in drawing fouls, with Jalen Brunson, despite his 6'2" frame, being the driving force behind New York's trips to the free-throw line. His adeptness at manipulating contact situations—whether by creating space or using his body to draw fouls—has proven valuable in keeping the Knicks' offense afloat, particularly during stretches of inconsistency. Conversely, Andrew Nembhard's postseason performance has been noteworthy; while he averages 9.6 points in the regular season, he has significantly elevated his game during the playoffs, scoring 14.8 points per contest and shooting 49.0 percent from deep. This improvement highlights Nembhard's capability to step up during crucial moments and alleviates some pressure off Haliburton’s shoulders. Moreover, Josh Hart embodies the archetype of a modern NBA X-factor. His versatility across roles—ranging from rebounding to playmaking—can shift the dynamics of a game, particularly if his three-point shooting proves effective. In the playoffs, the Knicks' success significantly increases when Hart excels from beyond the arc.

In contrast, the Pacers are exhibiting a commanding presence in terms of three-point shooting, averaging three more triples per game than the Knicks in the postseason and boasting a league-leading three-point percentage of 40.6. This sharp shooting is not confined to a select few players; both Aaron Nesmith and Nembhard average over two three-pointers per game, while Siakam and Myles Turner are also making significant contributions from the perimeter. As the two teams prepare to clash, Indiana's shooting prowess could very well play a pivotal role in this conference finals series, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive matchup.