Boston Celtics: Kristaps Porzingis' Illness is May 7, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) defends against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the second quarter during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

New York Knicks: Tom Thibodeau Points Out Huge Pacers Problem Ahead of 2025 Eastern Conference Finals

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics
By Christian Alamodin | Last updated May 19, 2025 11:24 AM ET

The New York Knicks are one step away from making the NBA Finals for the first time since the 1990s, and the city cannot contain its excitement. The Knicks’ takedown of the defending champions was enough to send the city into mass hysteria that the city hasn’t seen in a good while.

While fans will continue to ride the highs of this win until the Eastern Conference Finals begin, the team is already preparing to take on a fierce rival they share an interesting postseason history.

While the last bout between these two ended with the Pacers taking the dub, the Knicks will be doing everything they can to ensure their first Finals appearance in 26 years.

Tom Thibodeau presses the importance of containing the Pacers to get the New York Knicks to the Finals

New York Knicks: Tom Thibodeau Points Out Huge Pacers Problem Ahead of 2025 Eastern Conference Finals 8 May 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) brings the ball up court during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Thibodeau, who led the Knicks to a series win against the Pacers in the regular season, rained praises on their opponents ahead of their May 21 duel. He especially focused on guard play as a defensive priority for his players.

Per Posting & Toasting’s Antonio Losada:

“Style of play—and they’re an excellent basketball team. Strong on both sides of the ball. Their ability to push it in transition, that’s key. You’ve got to be great in defensive transition.

“When you look at the guard play—with [Tyrese] Haliburton, Nembhard, [T.J.] McConnell—they can all push and break you down off the dribble. So you’ve got to be very disciplined in your approach. They can spread you out. [Pascal] Siakam and [Myles] Turner are very talented bigs.

“We understand what the challenge is.”

It’s not hard to see why the Pacers would pose a considerable challenge to his Knicks squad. While no one in Rick Carlisle’s roster stood out offensively during their 4-1 dismantling of the Cleveland Cavaliers, it only proved that they’re one of the more dangerous teams in the association.

Andrew Nembhard has been a particularly good boost for the Pacers, with his 7.1 APG against the top-seeded team in the Eastern Conference providing some break for Haliburton.

However, it’s not like the New York Knicks are helpless against them. They took down a stacked Boston Celtics squad with a roster led by Jalen Brunson’s shooting, Karl-Anthony Towns’ resilience on the rebound, and a stellar supporting cast led by Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart.

While it will be tough to predict which squad will win, neutral fans can be assured of an entertaining series ahead.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: