1998 Eastern Conference Semifinals vs Knicks

Renewed rivalry in the 1998 Eastern Conference Semifinals.

The Knicks–Pacers rivalry is a basketball rivalry between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The rivalry started in 1977 and quickly became one of the most bitter in NBA history. They met in the playoffs 6 times from 1993 to 2000, fueling a rivalry epitomized by the enmity between Pacer Reggie Miller and prominent Knick fan Spike Lee.

Quick Facts

Series

1998 NBA Playoffs – Eastern Conference First Round

Season context

Lockout-shortened 1997-98 (50-game schedule)

Pacers star

Reggie Miller (guard, #31)

Knicks star

Patrick Ewing (center, #33)

Pacers supporting cast

Rik Smits
Jacque Vaughn
Al Harrington (rookie)

Knicks supporting cast

Allan Houston
John Starks
Larry Johnson

Result

New York Knicks advanced to the next round

Lore & Background

After a 3-year hiatus, the two teams renewed the rivalry in the 1998 Eastern Conference Semifinals. Unlike the previous 2 meetings, the Pacers were heavy favorites. The Knicks were without Patrick Ewing, who suffered a severely broken wrist early in the regular season.

Reader's Guide

The 1998 Eastern Conference Semifinals was a second-round series. The Pacers were heavy favorites. The Knicks were without Patrick Ewing due to a severely broken wrist.