Indiana Pacers reached the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years on Saturday. The three-time champion won the sixth game at home against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference playoffs with 125-108.
With that victory, Indiana brought the score in the best-of-seven series to 4-2, making a seventh game unnecessary. The opponent in the finals is Oklahoma City Thunder. The team from Oklahoma defeated Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 in the playoffs.
Oklahoma City Thunder became NBA champion once, in 1979. Indiana Pacers were crowned champion in 1970, 1972 and 1973.
Now Indiana Pacers are looking for a first NBA title in 52 years. In 2000, the Pacers lost in the final to Los Angeles Lakers (4-2), who competed with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
These were the last NBA games of Rik Smits, who is considered the best Dutch basketball player ever. The Brabander played for Indiana Pacers from 1988 to 2000.
Siakam good for 31 points
25 years later, Pascal Siakam is one of the most important players for the Pacers. The Cameroonian scored 31 points in the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Saturday. He was also named Most Valuable Player of the series.
Tyrese Haliburton had 21 points and 13 assists, while Obi Toppin added 18 points.
The first game of Indiana Pacers against Oklahoma City Thunder is on Thursday evening (local time) in Oklahoma City.
