Ex-Knicks expect tough Pacers series with one huge X factor
Share this @internewscast.com

It has been too long. It has been far too long. 

It’s been 25 years since the Knicks last reached the Eastern Conference finals, a period largely characterized by Clyde Frazier observing courtside as some of the NBA’s least impressive teams reshaped the legacy of a once-proud franchise.

This Wednesday night, their extended absence from the conference finals, the league’s third-longest, comes to an end as they face the Pacers in Game 1 at Madison Square Garden—a momentous occasion for the dedicated fans who feared they might not live to see it.

“They’re the greatest fans in the world, enduring a long wait, so I’m thrilled for them to experience the Garden as it was,” Frazier remarked during the 19th annual BTIG Charity Day. “Everything is aligning perfectly. They hold their fate in their hands. Oklahoma City is probably the favorite, but so were Boston and Cleveland.”

Following their massive upset of the defending champion Celtics in their second-round series, the Knicks open their playoff rematch with the Pacers — fresh off an upset of the top-seeded Cavaliers — as slight favorites, holding home-court advantage. 

But it was only a month ago that the Knicks were heavy favorites against the Pistons, then scratched their way to a six-game series win, claiming three games by three points or fewer. 

“This is a tough series, tougher than people may think because [the Pacers] don’t have the cachet of the Celtics,” St. John’s coach — and former Knicks coach — Rick Pitino said. “[Indiana coach] Rick Carlisle is as good of a basketball mind as there is in the game. Thank God we have [Tom Thibodeau] because it’s gonna be a tough battle. 


Follow The Post’s coverage of the Knicks in the 2025 NBA Playoffs

Sports+ subscribers: Sign up for Inside the Knicks to get daily newsletter coverage and join Expert Take for insider texts about the series.


“I think if they can stay close in the fourth quarter, you feel like they’re definitely going to win. [Jalen] Brunson has the ability, I’ve never seen a 6-1 guy have the ability to get any shot he wants. He’s just amazing.” 

While Indiana holds the edge in depth, former Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury sees Brunson as the difference in the series, owning the edge against Indiana All-Star Tyrese Haliburton. 

“He’s the ultimate leader,” Marbury said of Brunson. “To me, he’s the best guard in the NBA, First-Team All-NBA, him and [MVP front-runner] Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander].” 

Like last year’s second-round matchup against the Pacers, Frazier predicts the series will end with Game 7 at the Garden. Naturally, the Knicks icon expects a different ending. 

Then, the focus can turn to the next drought, 52 years since the franchise’s second title. 

Frazier holds up each of his hands, bringing his two championship rings into focus. 

“If you want these, you gotta overcome adversity,” Frazier said. “The [Knicks are] seeking revenge, but the Pacers have confidence. The [Knicks are] gonna suffer from fatigue — [The Pacers] play 10 guys, we play seven — but you gotta overcome it. You want to be a champion, you gotta deal with the trials and tribulations. 

“I haven’t played in [46] years, but you see how the people react when they see me. If they win a championship, this is their legacy.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Vladimir Kramnik: Former world chess champion may face discipline for treatment of Daniel Naroditsky

Controversy Strikes: Vladimir Kramnik’s Conduct Under Scrutiny in Daniel Naroditsky Dispute

On Wednesday, the global chess governing authority announced it is contemplating disciplinary…
Former mayor stabbed outside blue state business, suspect with multiple arrests charged

Ex-Mayor Stabbed Outside Business in Blue State: Repeat Offender Charged in High-Profile Incident

A former Massachusetts mayor sustained injuries from a stabbing incident outside his…
Former ESPN Host Blasts Boy Competing Against Daughter

Ex-ESPN Host Criticizes Boy Competing Against His Daughter in Sports Event

Outrage Erupts as Christian Ponder’s Wife Criticizes Transgender Participation in Girls’ Sports…
Largest teachers union teams up with ‘60s radical professor’s namesake org peddling anti-American curriculum

Controversy Erupts as Largest Teachers Union Partners with Controversial ’60s Radical Group on New Curriculum Initiative

This article is part of Fox News Digital’s investigative series, Campus Radicals.…
Woman charged with abandoning newborn child at NYC subway stop

Newborn Found Abandoned at NYC Subway: Woman Faces Charges

Authorities in New York City have apprehended a woman accused of leaving…
Baby humpback whale meets tragic end off New Jersey coast in suspected propeller strike

Tragic Loss: Young Humpback Whale Falls Victim to Suspected Propeller Accident off New Jersey Coast

A young humpback whale, found stranded near Long Beach Island, New Jersey,…
Artist Ben Wahhh of Deluxe Tattoo started Ink Relief Program with Salt and Light Coalition to help domestic violence survivors

Empowering Survivors: Ben Wahhh’s Ink Relief Program Transforms Lives Through Art and Healing

CHICAGO (WLS) — As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October,…
Former New York state trooper sentenced to 6 months in prison after faking his own shooting: 'disgraceful'

Ex-New York Trooper Jailed for Six Months Over Fake Shooting Incident: Described as ‘Disgraceful

A former New York state trooper received a six-month jail sentence on…
Alaska pilot seeks SCOTUS relief in case in which three beer cases led to forfeiture of $95k plane

Alaska Pilot Appeals to Supreme Court Over $95K Plane Forfeiture Stemming from Three Beer Cases

An 82-year-old bush pilot from Alaska is taking his legal battle to…
How inflatable costumes ballooned at anti-Trump rallies due to a Portland protester's frog outfit

Inflatable Costumes Take Center Stage at Anti-Trump Rallies, Inspired by Portland Protester’s Frog Attire

In Portland, Oregon, a unique form of protest unfolded when Seth Todd…
Los Angeles teacher says ICE agents are 'not the only ones with guns' following shooting of federal agent

Los Angeles Teacher Sparks Controversy with Bold Statement on Guns After ICE Agent Shooting

A Los Angeles high school history teacher, who is a prominent voice…
Porta-potty peep scheme busted as man faces nearly 100 charges for filming students: police

Man Arrested for Allegedly Filming Students in Porta-Potties, Faces Extensive List of Charges

An Iowa resident is facing close to 100 charges after authorities discovered…