New York Knicks' Josh Hart says this year's playoff matchup against the Indiana Pacers is a totally different situation.

With All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton now leading the way, take a moment to revisit the history of a rivalry that helped shape the NBA's Eastern Conference.

The New York Knicks are getting ready for their Eastern Conference Finals series against the Indiana Pacers, where games can be decided by one or two points. In

As he prepares to face Rick Carlisle and the Indiana Pacers, Carlisle reflected on Brunson's emergence. Before taking over as head coach of the Pacers for the second time, Carlisle coached Brunson on the Mavericks during his first three NBA seasons.

Indiana, by contrast, stretches the floor — and its rotation. All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton averages 34 minutes. His fellow starters — Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith — range from 29 to 33. And the Pacers have options.

Following their 4-1 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Cleveland Cavaliers are aiming to expand power forward Evan Mobley’s role moving forward.

Andrew Nembhard has been a dynamic player for the Indiana Pacers throughout the 2025 NBA playoffs. Across 10 games this postseason, Nembhard is averaging 14.6 points and six assists while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3-point range.

Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner talks to head coach Rick Carlisle in the second half of Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 11, 2025. Credit: AP/Michael Conroy