Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle offered a measured preview of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks, emphasizing the evolution of New York’s roster and the challenges it presents.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the series opener, Carlisle pointed to Ben Mathurin’s past success against the Knicks but stressed system execution over individual matchups. “He’s just got to be ready to do his job within our system,” Carlisle said. “When shots are there, take them. The rest of the time, do your job within the defensive system and block out.”
Carlisle praised Mathurin’s development during the postseason, noting that the guard is “a young player that’s growing all the time.” He added, “There’s things to be learned every time he steps on the floor… he gets it very quickly.”
While Carlisle declined to discuss strategic carryovers from last year’s playoff meeting with the Knicks, he acknowledged that New York’s current team presents a new set of problems. “They are a different team to prepare for,” he stated.
He cited the additions of Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns as key changes that have altered the Knicks’ offensive geometry. “When you add Bridges and you add Towns… those are two long-range, mid-range, at-the-rim threats,” said Carlisle. “Towns—you’ve got to guard him at 35 feet. He makes those shots… for a 7-foot guy, it’s a different world.”
Carlisle also identified rebounding as a major concern, particularly with Mitchell Robinson’s impact on second-chance opportunities. “I think he’s getting four offensive rebounds a game, and he’s tipping the ball out another three or four times,” he said. “He’s a major factor.”
He also mentioned Precious Achiuwa as an underrated contributor. “Achiuwa gives them another big defender and another guy that can crash and generate possessions.”
Asked about OG Anunoby, Carlisle acknowledged his expanded offensive role in the postseason. “He can create his own offense, and he’s also a highly capable spot-up player off of other action,” he said. “He can play multiple positions. He can guard really any position on the floor with his strength.”
The Pacers, who have reached their second straight conference finals, made a midseason turnaround after early struggles. Carlisle pointed to improved health and a more favorable January schedule as turning points. “We weren’t healthy the first two months, and we had a very difficult schedule,” he noted. “Right now, none of that matters. We’ve just got to prepare ourselves to be ready for the environment.”
Indiana will open the Eastern Conference Finals on the road, as the Knicks hold home-court advantage following their 51-win regular season and second-round victory over the Celtics.
