Pacers Scorch Knicks, Set NBA Playoff Record in Game 7 Rout

The Indiana Pacers torched the New York Knicks in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup, setting a new NBA playoff record with a blistering 67.1% shooting performance from the field. The Pacers' offensive explosion propelled them to a 117-89 victory, marking the second-largest Game 7 win in NBA history.

The Indiana Pacers put on a shooting clinic in their Game 7 showdown with the New York Knicks, setting a new NBA playoff record for shooting efficiency. The Pacers shot a staggering 67.1% from the field, eclipsing the previous record of 64.5% set by the Chicago Bulls in 1995.

Led by Tyrese Haliburton's 21 points, the Pacers connected on an astonishing 45-of-67 field goal attempts. Their accuracy was particularly impressive from beyond the arc, where they shot 11-of-23 (47.8%). Jalen Smith recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Pacers, while Bennedict Mathurin contributed 17 points off the bench.

The Knicks, who entered the game as slight favorites, were simply outclassed by the Pacers' hot shooting. No Knicks player reached the 20-point mark, with Julius Randle leading the scoring with 17 points on a dismal 6-of-19 shooting performance. R.J. Barrett added 16 points for the Knicks, but their offense as a whole struggled to keep up with the Pacers' barrage of baskets.

The Pacers' record-setting performance was a fitting end to a thrilling series that saw both teams trade blows. After dropping the first two games of the series, the Pacers rallied back with three consecutive wins to tie the series at 3-3. In Game 7, the Pacers put their foot on the gas pedal from the opening tip-off, building a comfortable lead early in the first quarter and never looking back.

The Pacers' victory not only sends them to the Eastern Conference Finals, but also marks a significant step forward for the franchise. After enduring a rebuilding process in recent years, the Pacers are now back among the league's elite and poised to make a deep playoff run.

The NBA playoffs continue on Thursday, with the Miami Heat facing off against the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup. The winner of that series will face the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.