Knicks-Pacers rivalry wont be put to bed with Eastern Conference finals

INDIANAPOLIS — From 1993 through 2000, the Knicks and Pacers met different times in the postseason.On three occasions, the two teams decided the Eastern Conference’s champion.History is starting to repeat itself three decades later.The longtime rivals met in a seven-game, Eastern Conference semifinal series a year ago.

This May, they are both back in the Eastern Conference finals, after pulling off second-round upsets.While last year’s series went the distance, this version has been more entertaining so far, three games determined by six points or less.Each team has blown a big lead.

All three contests have been up for grabs in the final minute.It is reminiscent of the 90’s.And don’t expect either team to go away.

They are both positioned to be good for a long time, led by star point guards in their prime, Jalen Brunson for the Knicks and Tyrese Haliburton for the Pacers.“It’s competitive.Look, there’s a lot of history that goes back a lot of years,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said ahead of Tuesday night’s Game 4 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

“When I was an assistant here I think we played them three years in a row [in the playoffs].It’s great competition.

We have a high level of respect for how they compete, and their fan base, you play at the Garden, it’s one of the ultimate environments.And we have one of the ultimate environments here.

It’s always really good competition.… It’s a great series.

There’s a lot going on.But we’re trying to stay focused on the process that works for us the best, and it’s not an easy process and the Knicks certainly aren’t an easy opponent.”The Knicks’ core of Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson are all under contract through next season and nobody is older than 28.

Only Robinson and Bridges are free agents after next year.Pacer stars Haliburton and Pascal Siakam are locked up for the foreseeable future, as are key role players And...