In a remarkable accomplishment, the Indiana Pacers have secured their first playoff series victory since 2014, marking a significant milestone for the team. Their previous triumph came in the conference semifinals against the second-seeded New York Knicks back in the same year.

During the regular season, the Pacers exhibited outstanding precision in their passing game, boasting the highest assist-to-turnover ratio (2.38) in the 47 seasons where turnovers have been tracked. In an even more extraordinary feat, they recorded an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.07 in the first round, surpassing any other team's performance in a playoff series over the last 30 years.

The Pacers showcased their cohesive team play with four of their five players, Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell, and Tyrese Haliburton, providing at least 25 assists each. These players also boasted an impressive assist-to-turnover ratio of at least 3.5, joining a total of 26 players with similar achievements in the playoffs.

Despite not having Tyrese Maxey or Joel Embiid on their roster, the Pacers displayed superior ball movement compared to the Philadelphia 76ers when facing the Knicks' formidable defense. In fact, the Pacers ranked first in both ball movement, averaging 397 passes per 24 minutes of possession, and player movement, covering a distance of 11.8 miles per 24 minutes of possession during the playoffs. The 76ers, on the other hand, found themselves in the bottom half of the rankings for both categories.

A remarkable aspect of the Pacers' offensive strategy was their proficiency in jump shots, with 59% of their shots coming from outside the paint in the first round. However, they also excelled at converting shots in the paint, leading the league with an impressive field goal percentage of 62.7% in that area. Of all the players with at least 35 field goal attempts in the playoffs, Andrew Nembhard made a significant impact, with an effective field goal percentage jump from 55.7% in the regular season to an impressive 67.5% in the playoffs.

Moreover, the Pacers dazzled in a previous visit to Madison Square Garden, where they delivered a dominating performance against the Knicks. Scoring 125 points on just 98 possessions, the Pacers showcased their offensive prowess in a 14-point victory, leaving a lasting impression.

With a notable decrease in pace from the regular season to the first round, the Pacers have demonstrated their ability to adapt to the grinding style of play favored by the Knicks. This adjustment suggests that they are well-prepared to face the challenges posed by their opponents in the upcoming games.

The Pacers' achievement in winning their playoff series and their exceptional ball movement and shooting efficiency prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the postseason. As they continue their journey, the team's confidence is undoubtedly soaring, and fans eagerly await their next spectacular performance on the court.