The Indiana Pacers have become the team to watch this postseason, captivating audiences with their improbable comebacks, stunning game-winners, and high-octane offense. As they stand just one win away from the NBA Finals, questions arise about their rivals, the New York Knicks. Many fans are asking: What time is the Knicks game tonight? This article will delve into the Pacers’ explosive performance and indirectly touch upon the Knicks’ schedule as we analyze the Pacers’ impressive stats.
The Pacers’ journey as a No. 4 seed, following their conference finals run as a sixth seed in 2024, signals that they are more than just a ‘Cinderella’ story. They are legitimate title contenders. Leading this charge is Tyrese Haliburton, whose offensive prowess and flair have drawn comparisons to the ‘Showtime’ Lakers of the 1980s. But how do these Pacers truly stack up against such a legendary team?
In this article, we will explore the numbers behind the Pacers’ historic offense, comparing their scoring, shooting accuracy, and playmaking abilities to the ‘Showtime’ Lakers. We’ll also examine Haliburton’s impact on the team, drawing parallels to Magic Johnson’s influence on the Lakers. While keeping an eye on the New York Knicks and addressing the query, “What time is the Knicks game tonight?”, we’ll celebrate the Pacers’ achievements.
Postseason Scoring Prowess
Over the last two postseasons, the Pacers have averaged an impressive 116.0 points per game. This scoring rate is the highest among all teams with at least 20 games played, trailing only the 1986-87 Lakers, who averaged 118.3 points. In 2025, the Pacers elevated their game, averaging 118.5 points per game during the postseason. Only the 2017 Warriors and the 1987 Lakers have surpassed this figure in a single postseason with a minimum of 10 games.
The Pacers’ ability to score rapidly has been a key factor in their success. For instance, they scored 80 points in the first half of Game 4 against the Cavaliers. Aaron Nesmith’s remarkable performance in Game 1 against the Knicks, where he made six consecutive three-pointers in the fourth quarter, highlights their resilience and offensive firepower.
Moreover, the Pacers have demonstrated an exceptional ability to win games when facing adversity. They have won three games this postseason when trailing by at least seven points in the final minute of the fourth quarter or overtime. Since 1998, when play-by-play data was first tracked, all other teams combined have only one win in such situations. This historic offense is a crucial component of their ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
Historic Shooting Accuracy
The Pacers have displayed incredible shooting accuracy over the past two postseasons, converting 50.4 percent of their field goal attempts. Among teams with at least 20 postseason games played, this rate is unmatched since the 1987-88 Lakers, who shot 50.9 percent. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering that 3-pointers account for 38 percent of the Pacers’ shot attempts, while they only accounted for less than eight percent of the shots taken by the 1987-88 Lakers.
Furthermore, the Pacers have maintained a field goal percentage above 50 percent in each of the last two postseasons. Before this, no team had achieved this feat in a playoff run with at least 10 games since the 1991 Bulls. The Lakers managed to hit 50 percent of their shots in six consecutive postseasons from 1982 to 1987, setting a high bar for the Pacers to match.
Powered by Pace and Passing
The Pacers have averaged 29.3 assists per game in the last two postseasons, surpassing all other teams with at least 20 games played since the ‘Showtime’ Lakers of the 1987-88 season. Their passing ability is further evidenced by their 16 games with 30 or more assists during this period, while no other team has more than five such games. Additionally, the Pacers have seven games with 30+ assists and fewer than 10 turnovers, a mark that no other team has reached as many times in their franchise history.
In terms of offensive rating, the Pacers stand out even further. Their offensive rating of 119.6 is the highest among all teams in a span of two postseasons since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976-77, with a minimum of 20 games played. This statistic highlights the Pacers’ efficiency and effectiveness on the offensive end of the court.
‘Showtime’ Lakers vs. Pacers: Playoff Numbers
A comparison of key statistics between the ‘Showtime’ Lakers and the 2024-25 Pacers reveals some interesting insights. While the Lakers averaged 114.7 points per game with an offensive rating of 113.7 and a field goal percentage of 51.6 percent, the Pacers have averaged 116.0 points per game with a superior offensive rating of 119.6 and a field goal percentage of 50.4 percent.
Additionally, the Lakers averaged 29.8 assists per game, slightly higher than the Pacers’ 29.3 assists per game. These numbers suggest that the Pacers’ offense is not only potent but also efficient, making them a formidable force in the playoffs.
Magic vs. Hali: First 29 Career Playoff Games
Tyrese Haliburton’s impact on the Pacers is akin to Magic Johnson’s influence on the ‘Showtime’ Lakers. In their first 29 career playoff games, Johnson averaged 17.9 points, 9.3 assists, and a 49.6 percent field goal percentage, while Haliburton has averaged 19.0 points, 9.0 assists, and a 47.8 percent field goal percentage. These statistics demonstrate that Haliburton is playing at a level comparable to one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.
Conclusion
While the New York Knicks remain a prominent topic of discussion among fans, with many eager to know, “What time is the Knicks game tonight?”, the Indiana Pacers have captured the spotlight with their electrifying offense and remarkable playoff performance. The numbers reveal that their scoring ability, shooting accuracy, and playmaking prowess rival those of the legendary ‘Showtime’ Lakers.
Tyrese Haliburton’s emergence as a modern-day Magic Johnson further solidifies the Pacers’ status as a legitimate title contender. As they continue their playoff journey, the Pacers are proving that their offense is not only historic but also capable of leading them to championship glory. Whether you’re a Pacers fan or a Knicks supporter checking the game time, one thing is certain: the Pacers are delivering an unforgettable postseason experience.
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