Pacers vs Knicks Match Player Stats Overview

Game Recap: Latest Head-to-Head Action
The Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks last faced off on December 18, 2025, in Indianapolis, where the Knicks edged out a narrow 114–113 victory. Jalen Brunson delivered a late go-ahead three-pointer with just 4.4 seconds left, finishing the night with 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. OG Anunoby contributed a key steal off the ensuing inbounds play. For the Pacers, Andrew Nembhard posted an impressive 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting, including four triples, while Pascal Siakam added 26 points with six rebounds and five assists .
On the other hand, the rivalry itself stands stark: the Knicks currently lead the overall series 127–126. The Pacers hold a slight postseason edge, 30–24, including their 2025 Eastern Conference Finals triumph (en.wikipedia.org).
Why This Matters Now
This matchup holds weight both for its dramatic finish and its playoff footprints. The latest game’s tight ending illustrates how small margins decide outcomes. Combined with the recent Eastern Conference showdown where the Pacers eliminated the Knicks 4–2, there’s continuity and intensity in focus (en.wikipedia.org).
Pacers vs Knicks match player stats remain essential for fans and analysts alike. The December 18 contest adds urgency to tracking player form, especially with both franchises poised for potential rematches. As the 2025–26 season unfolds, season-to-date metrics and rising or fading trends could offer clues on future outcomes.
Key Player Performances Breakdown
December 18, 2025 – Stat Highlights
- Jalen Brunson (Knicks): 25 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists—including decisive late three.
- Andrew Nembhard (Pacers): 31 points, 4-for-5 from beyond the arc.
- Pascal Siakam (Pacers): 26 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists.
2025 Eastern Conference Finals Highlights
- **Game 1 **
- Tyrese Haliburton: 31 points, 11 assists.
- Aaron Nesmith: Season-high 30 points, with 8-of-9 threes.
-
Jalen Brunson set the Knicks ablaze with 43 points.
-
Game 2
-
Pascal Siakam erupted for 39 points on 15-of-23 shooting, including 23 first-half points. Haliburton added a near triple-double: 14 points, 11 assists, 8 rebounds.
-
Game 4
-
Haliburton delivered a historic triple-double: 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, with zero turnovers. He joined only Oscar Robertson and Nikola Jokić in such company. Siakam chipped in 30 points; Obi Toppin, a former Knick, hit a crucial late three.
-
Series Outcome
- The Pacers won the series 4–2, sealing Game 6 with a 125–108 victory. Siakam scored 31 points; Haliburton added 21, including 11 in the fourth quarter. He earned Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors.
Historical Notes
- In Game 7 of the 2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Pacers set an NBA record with 67.1% shooting en route to a 130–109 win. Haliburton led with 26 points.
Interpreting the Stats and Their Implications
The high-scoring, high-stakes performances reflect more than hype. They underline elite execution under pressure. Haliburton’s zero-turnover triple-double is rare and decisive. Nesmith’s timely shooting erased a 14-point deficit in Game 1. Siakam’s scoring bursts, whether Game 2 or Game 6, shift the series narrative.
Meanwhile, Brunson’s consistency—25 points off the bench, then 43 in Game 1, 32 in Game 5—makes him a relentless scoring force. So there’s oscillating momentum, and that’s what makes ratings and seasons compelling.
What’s Ahead
Fans and analysts will now watch for:
- Consistency metrics: Can Haliburton sustain turnover-free floor contributions? Will Siakam remain a scoring catalyst?
- Bench output: Nesmith’s shooting made a difference in the postseason; replicating that can tilt regular-season games.
- Matchup dynamics: Brunson and Towns maintain scoring threats, but matchups may change if injuries or rotations shift.
- Playoff positioning: Both teams’ trajectories through the 2025–26 season will affect seeding and potential rematch setups.
“Both teams leaned on their stars at critical moments,” a league analyst commented. “Turnovers and shooting splits decided games more than anything else.”
The next meeting is scheduled for February 10, 2026. All eyes will be on how current trends stack up—both teams will need form, chemistry, and sharp execution to tilt the clock back in their favor.
Key Takeaways & What’s Next
- Close December finish: Knicks edged Pacers 114–113 in a thriller, spotlighting Brunson, Nembhard, and Siakam.
- Eastern Finals dominance: Pacers outscored the Knicks 4–2, powered by standout performances from Haliburton, Siakam, and Nesmith.
- Star consistency matters: Haliburton’s and Siakam’s postseason output overshadowed but didn’t erase Brunson’s scoring prowess.
- Bench shooting depth: Nesmith’s flurry in Game 1 shifted momentum from the arc.
- Looking forward: Monitor consistency, rotations, and how playoff form trickles into regular season. The next Pacers–Knicks face-off on February 10, 2026, may preview another postseason battle.

