Following the New York Knicks' decisive victory over the Boston Celtics, the Eastern Conference Finals are officially set. The upcoming matchup features the Knicks and the Indiana Pacers, which evokes memories of intense rivalries from the 1990s NBA era. Notable names such as Jalen Brunson for the Knicks and Tyrese Haliburton for the Pacers take center stage, reminiscent of classic showdowns involving legends like Patrick Ewing and Reggie Miller.

Despite Tyrese Haliburton's impressive playoff averages of 17.5 points and 9.3 assists per game, he is not the leading scorer for the Pacers during the postseason; that title belongs to Pascal Siakam with an average of 18.8 points. The Pacers' scoring is notably well-distributed among a range of contributors, with a total of six additional rotation players scoring between eight and 17 points per game. This distribution complicates defensive game plans, as opposing teams cannot easily target a single high-scoring player. Furthermore, the outcome of playoff games often hinges on the performances of role players, who can deliver unexpected contributions during critical moments. With players such as Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Bennedict Mathurin, T.J. McConnell, and Obi Toppin available, the Pacers have multiple candidates capable of stepping up.

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks, who are one of the few teams averaging more free-throw attempts per game than the Oklahoma City Thunder, rely heavily on Jalen Brunson, who stands at 6'2''. Brunson has established himself as a master at drawing fouls, effectively utilizing a variety of techniques commonly associated with contemporary NBA players. His ability to position himself in front of defenders, along with his knack for drawing contact, significantly contributes to the Knicks' free-throw opportunities. As the Knicks have faced struggles on the offensive end, notably prior to their recent blowout win, Brunson's proficiency at the charity stripe has been vital in maintaining their scoring.

Andrew Nembhard's performance in the playoffs has been noteworthy, with averages of 14.8 points, 49.0 percent shooting from beyond the arc, and 5.7 assists over 27 playoff games. While terms like 'playoff riser' can be used somewhat liberally, Nembhard distinctly fits that descriptor due to his ability to seize big moments and take on challenging defensive assignments. His emergence as a secondary playmaker allows the Pacers to diversify their offensive strategy beyond relying solely on Haliburton. Josh Hart epitomizes the modern NBA X-factor, contributing across multiple facets of the game. With nine triple-doubles to his name this season, Hart's versatility is proven; his ability to impact a game as a scorer, rebounder, or defender is well recognized. However, his most significant role may lie in his perimeter shooting, as Hart's success from three-point range has correlated strongly with the Knicks' success in both the regular season and playoffs.

In contrast to New York, the Indiana Pacers have showcased impressive depth in their three-point shooting during the playoffs, averaging three more successful attempts per game than the Knicks and boasting a league-leading 40.6 percent shooting percentage from beyond the arc. The impressive efficiency is not restricted to one or two players; significant contributions from Aaron Nesmith, Haliburton, and Nembhard highlight the Pacers' perimeter prowess. Both Turner and Siakam are also valuable contributors, consistently drawing defenders beyond the arc. Given the Pacers' ability to generate high-quality three-point looks, their effectiveness in this area will have a considerable impact on the series' outcome.