Knicks fans often overlook past rivalries with teams like the Bulls and the Heat when considering the team’s top rivalries. While the battles with the Bulls, often featuring Michael Jordan, were intense, they were more about the sheer competition rather than a true rivalry. The matches against the Heat in the late 1990s and early 2000s were also memorable but became tiring due to the similarity in playing styles resulting in low-scoring games. The rivalry with the Bullets from 1969-1974 was filled with legendary playoff games, with the Knicks emerging victorious in five out of six series.
Among all the Knicks’ rivalries, the most significant playoff foe has been the Indiana Pacers. Over the years, they have met frequently in playoff series, each team winning their fair share of matchups. The Knicks and Pacers playoff series were known for electrifying the spring season every year. Coaches and team rosters changed over time, but the memories of their intense matchups remain, with Monday night’s Eastern Conference semifinals matchup being their eighth meeting in the playoffs since 1993.
The rivalry between the Knicks and the Pacers has a rich history filled with intense battles, memorable moments, and hard-fought games, including the events unfolding during Game 6 of the 2013 East semis. A sign saying “The Hicks Own the Knicks” added fuel to the fire of the rivalry, showcasing the intense competition between the two teams. Players like Reggie Miller were central figures in the series, with both the Garden and Market Square Arena trying to out-shout and out-do each other during games, creating a thrilling atmosphere for both teams’ fans.
The start of the Knicks and Pacers rivalry can be traced back to the 1985 NBA lottery when Patrick Ewing became a Knick after the Pacers’ logo was turned over, giving New York a significant advantage. Their encounters in the playoffs over the years have been filled with dramatic moments, from John Starks head-butting Miller, to Larry Johnson’s four-point play, and Reggie Miller’s game-winning shots that put the Knicks out of playoff contention. These moments have cemented the rivalry as one of the most iconic matchups in NBA history.
The rivalry between the Knicks and Pacers has not only been about the competition on the court but also about the passionate fans and the electric atmosphere in both Madison Square Garden and the Fieldhouse. The intensity between the two teams has grown over the years, creating an environment where both teams and their supporters feed off the energy of the high-stakes games. As they face off once again in the playoffs, the rivalry between the Knicks and Pacers is set to reignite, bringing back memories of their historic matchups and igniting the passion of fans on both sides.
As the Knicks and Pacers prepare to battle it out in their eighth playoff meeting since 1993, the anticipation and excitement among fans are palpable. The history between the two teams, with past playoff series filled with drama and tension, has created a rivalry that transcends time. For those who have been following the Knicks and Pacers throughout the years, the upcoming matchup is a chance to witness the revival of one of the most storied rivalries in NBA history, bringing back memories of the intense battles, thrilling moments, and unforgettable matchups that have defined the rivalry between these two iconic teams.
