Fans filled the streets outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse after the Pacers beat the Knicks 125 to 108, locking in their first trip to the NBA Finals in 25 years.

Some remembered the heartbreak from 2000, when Indiana came up short. But this time feels different, they said. This team plays for each other and mirrors the grit of the city.

“I’m just super excited,” said Anthony. “Indianapolis is always the underdog. We don’t get our props, but we got them tonight.”

David and Gina were newly married the last time the Pacers made the Finals. They stood outside the arena Sunday night soaking it in.

“We were just talking about the last time they were in the Finals,” Gina said. “We had just gotten married and moved into our new house and watched the Finals in our living room.”

“It was agony watch

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