Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks: Is it Still a Rivalry?
May 18, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) blocks a shot by New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
With the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks squaring off on ESPN this evening, the question comes up of is this a rivalry? You look at the past and think back to Reggie Miller going for big performances at Madison Square Garden. You think back to Dale Davis and Antonio Davis battling it out with the big men of the old Knicks. You have those memories of Spike Lee not knowing what to do after Reggie Miller put the Pacers on his back and won a game. But those are memories from the 90s. I don’t know if you can recall much from the past decade or so that would constitute those feelings of a rivalry.
Last season’s meeting in the playoffs did bring back some of that aura of the past. You had the huge block of Carmelo Anthony by Roy Hibbert. To me, that will go down as one of the top moments of this current Pacers squad.
I had to post that video again just for your viewing pleasure. I am sure Carmelo Anthony has not forgot that as he’s even talked about during the off season, he’s not forgot about that loss. Now that makes me believe this could get back to that rivalry I remember. Even regular season meetings, I wanted the Pacers to go out and destroy the New York Knicks. I also think that both teams have to be good for this to mean something.
Right now, the Knicks aren’t exactly where they thought they would be. But if they pick up a win tonight, that could be something to jumpstart them. For the Pacers, this evening, a win gets them back on that winning track after the terrible loss to the Chicago Bulls. I really look for them to come out strong tonight, and get right back to the win column. Someone on the facebook post I created did have one aspect that could give this series some intrigue, Metta World Peace. I completely forgot about the guy formerly known as Ron Artest. Don’t worry, I remember him in his Pacer days here, and to see him now as a New York Knick, definitely gives me that feeling that I want the Pacers to come out on top of this game in some big way. He’s a guy that I can only imagine what reaction he’ll get when the Knicks come here to Indy. I am sure Pacer fans will let the boo birds flow, especially seeing him in those Knicks’ colors.
Tonight could be the start of the renewed competition between two teams that have had some great history between them. It might not always went in favor of the Indiana Pacers, but those were some great memories. I hope that this year’s team can make some news ones as the teams face off for the first time this season. Leave your thoughts on this rivalry, and if it is still one in your mind.