The Knicks defeated both the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics in six games. Meanwhile, some argue that the Pacers had a relatively easy road because they faced teams with major injuries in the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The New York Knicks had the upper hand against the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals with a final score of 138-135. They were in control and even had the largest lead of the game with 17 points.