Rick Carlisle credited his team’s resilience, execution, and defense after the Indiana Pacers secured their first NBA Finals berth since 2000 with a 125-108 Game 6 win over the New York Knicks on Saturday night.
Speaking postgame, Carlisle described the series as “very difficult” and called Game 1 “fluky,” noting the early win shifted the tone of the matchup.
“This group has been special,” Carlisle said. “We don’t take it for granted at all.”
He commended the Knicks for their toughness and praised New York head coach Tom Thibodeau for transforming the team’s culture.
“To be able to win the series the way we did today at home in front of our fans is huge,” Carlisle said. “You never want to go back on the road in Game 7.”
The Pacers jumped out early in the third quarter and maintained their pace throughout the second half, turning 17 New York turnovers into 34 points.
“Today, our guys just decided it was going to be our kind of game,” Carlisle said. “We kept speed in the game.”
Carlisle highlighted contributions from multiple players, including Thomas Bryant, who hit three triples and added key rebounds and blocks.
“Talk about a guy that has a great spirit and stays ready,” Carlisle said of Bryant. “It was all pivotal stuff.”
Pascal Siakam earned the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, scoring 31 points and continuing what Carlisle called “a rock of consistency all year.”
Reflecting on the broader journey, Carlisle noted the Pacers’ 10–15 record in December and the impact of missing key rotation players during that stretch.
“There were games where we were starting two-way players,” he said. “We’re very dependent on the collective ingredients for the whole team to function.”
When asked about emotions at the final buzzer, Carlisle remained focused on the next challenge.
“This is no time to be popping champagne,” he said. “It becomes an all-or-nothing thing.”
Looking ahead, the Pacers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder, who finished with the best record in the NBA and are led by league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“Oklahoma City has been dominant all year long—with capital letters in the word dominant,” Carlisle said.
He called the Finals matchup “a great series” in the making, emphasizing both teams’ speed and defensive intensity.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge,” he said. “They have the MVP, and that’s always an important thing.”
Carlisle also provided a brief update on Jarace Walker, who exited Game 6 with an ankle injury and was seen on crutches.
“When a guy goes down and stays down like that, you’re always holding your breath,” he said.
The Pacers will open the Finals on the road in Oklahoma City on Thursday.
