On Saturday night, the Indiana Pacers clinched their first NBA Finals berth since 2000 with a dominating 125-108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton was at the heart of the win, pouring in 21 points, 13 assists, and three steals to lead his teammates to a commanding advantage. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 31 points, while Obi Toppin added 18 points off the bench, solidifying Indiana’s grip on the series.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Pacers’ celebration took on a symbolic tone, with players sporting all-black attire throughout the arena, an intentional nod to the mourning of the Knicks’ elimination. Haliburton, in particular, carried a black duffel bag as he walked through the corridors of Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a subtle but powerful statement of the team’s unity and determination. This visual symbolism did not go unnoticed by the entertainment world, as actor and Knicks fan Ben Stiller took to social media to make a snarky comment.
Stiller, known for his sardonic wit, quipped, ‘Good thing he brought his duffel for the flight to NY,’ a sarcastic jab at the Pacers’ pre-game ritual. However, Haliburton was quick to respond, delivering a sharp and witty retort that turned the tables on Stiller’s trash talk. Haliburton’s reply, ‘Nah, was to pack y’all up,’ was a clever play on Stiller’s comment, effectively shutting down the mockery with a sharp and humorous counterattack.
Now, the Pacers stand at the brink of history, preparing for their first NBA Finals appearance in two decades. The team will face the Oklahoma City Thunder, the league’s best team all season, in a rematch of regular-season battles. Oklahoma City defeated Indiana in both matchups during the regular season, so the path ahead is anything but guaranteed. With the stakes at an all-time high, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle reminded his players that the journey is far from over.