New York Knicks: Revisiting Rivalry With Indiana Pacers

Nov 4, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Charlotte Hornets associate head coach Patrick Ewing in the first quarter against Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Charlotte Hornets associate head coach Patrick Ewing in the first quarter against Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) returns to play against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) returns to play against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

2013: Pacers def. Knicks, 4-2

The most recent battle between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers was played in 2013. Extenuating circumstances ruined the series for the Knicks, as Tyson Chandler’s back injury, Amar’e Stoudemire’s knees, and J.R. Smith’s temper cost them dearly.

Nevertheless, it was a glorious season for New York, which won 54 games and secured its first Atlantic Division title since 1994.

Indiana won Game 1, but Carmelo Anthony dominated with 32 points and nine rebounds to give New York a home win in Game 2. The Pacers won Games 3 and 4 at home, but the Knicks fought back for another win at Madison Square Garden.

Anthony scored a game-high 28 points as New York protected its pride with a throwback 85-75 win over the rival Pacers.

The Pacers would go on to close out the Knicks in Game 6, but Anthony again protected the pride of The City. He scored 39 points and gave New York a fighting chance during its most successful season in almost 15 years.

New York and Indiana haven’t played in the playoffs since, but both teams are talented enough to make it back in 2017.

Must Read: Five keys to defeating the Indiana Pacers

If they meet again in the postseason, one can’t help but believe it’ll be New York’s time to get back on the winning track.