On Thursday, May 29, 2025, the New York Knicks faced a do-or-die situation in Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Trailing 3-1 in the series, the Knicks delivered a commanding 111-94 victory to keep their championship hopes alive, forcing a Game 6 in Indianapolis. Led by an electrifying performance from Jalen Brunson and a stout defensive effort, New York showcased the resilience that has defined their playoff run.
The Knicks entered Game 5 with their backs against the wall. The Pacers, powered by Tyrese Haliburton’s historic triple-double in Game 4, held a commanding 3-1 series lead. A loss would have ended New York’s season and sent Indiana to their first NBA Finals since 2000. However, the Knicks, fueled by the electric atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, came out with a purpose. For the first time in the series, they set the tone early and never relinquished control, leading wire-to-wire for a much-needed victory.
Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ All-NBA guard, was the catalyst. After struggling in crunch time in Game 4, Brunson bounced back with a stellar 32-point performance, including 14 points in the opening quarter. His efficiency was remarkable, shooting 12-of-18 from the field and 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Brunson’s ability to attack the Pacers’ defense and create scoring opportunities for his teammates was pivotal in New York’s dominance.
ESPN reported that Brunson’s early aggression set the stage for the Knicks’ wire-to-wire lead, a stark contrast to their slow starts in previous games.
While Brunson’s offense stole the headlines, the Knicks’ defense was equally impressive. New York forced the Pacers into 20 turnovers, their highest total in the postseason, disrupting Indiana’s high-powered offense. Tyrese Haliburton, who had been nearly unstoppable in Game 4 with 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds without a turnover, was held to just eight points on 2-of-7 shooting. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the team’s collective effort in slowing down Haliburton, stating, “Our guys were tied together in making [Haliburton] work for everything.”
The Knicks’ defensive intensity was evident from the start. They limited the Pacers to a 97.9 offensive rating, the eighth-lowest for Indiana over the last two seasons. This marked the first time in the playoffs that the Pacers were held below 100 points, a testament to New York’s ability to disrupt their rhythm. Key contributions came from players like Isaiah Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson, who anchored the paint and helped New York control the boards.
The Athletic noted that the Knicks’ defensive adjustments in Game 5 raised questions about whether they had cracked the code to slowing down Indiana’s offense or if the Pacers simply had an off night.
While Brunson led the charge, he wasn’t alone. Karl-Anthony Towns, despite being listed as questionable with a left knee contusion, delivered a double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds. His ability to stretch the floor and score inside gave the Knicks a crucial edge in the paint against Pacers center Myles Turner. Towns’ performance was a reminder of his importance to New York’s lineup, especially in a game where every possession mattered.
The Knicks’ bench also played a significant role, outscoring Indiana’s reserves and providing critical energy. Players like Miles McBride and Donte DiVincenzo contributed timely buckets and defensive stops, helping New York maintain a double-digit lead for much of the game. By the third quarter, the Knicks had built a 22-point advantage, and while the Pacers cut the deficit to 12 in the fourth, New York’s composure ensured the game never slipped out of reach.
For the Pacers, Game 5 was a rare misstep in an otherwise dominant series. After scoring 130 points in Game 4, their offense sputtered, managing only 94 points. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 15 points, but no other starter reached double figures. Bennedict Mathurin provided a spark off the bench with 23 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Knicks’ defensive pressure.
Tyrese Haliburton’s quiet night was particularly costly. The Pacers’ star point guard, who had been the engine of their offense, struggled to find gaps in New York’s defense. Indiana’s 20 turnovers led to easy transition points for the Knicks, a stark contrast to their efficient play in previous games. Despite their strong 11-3 postseason record and six straight road wins, the Pacers couldn’t match New York’s intensity in Game 5.
Times of India highlighted that despite contributions from players like Mathurin, the Pacers’ shooting struggles and turnovers proved too much to overcome.
With the series now at 3-2, the Knicks head to Indianapolis for Game 6 on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET, airing on TNT and Max. The winner of this series will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, adding extra stakes to an already intense matchup. The Knicks, who haven’t reached the Finals since 1999, are looking to build on their Game 5 momentum, while the Pacers aim to regroup and close out the series at home.
The Knicks’ ability to sustain their defensive intensity and Brunson’s scoring prowess will be critical. For the Pacers, getting Haliburton back on track and minimizing turnovers will be key to securing their first Finals berth in 25 years. Fans at Madison Square Garden were vocal in their support, chanting “Knicks in Seven” as the game concluded, signaling their belief in a potential comeback.
The question now is whether New York’s Game 5 performance was a sign of a strategic breakthrough or a one-off fueled by desperation. Meanwhile, the Pacers, who have shown resilience on the road, will look to rediscover their offensive rhythm in front of their home crowd.
The Pacers-Knicks rivalry has been a highlight of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, reigniting a historic matchup from the 1990s and early 2000s. Both teams have overcome tough opponents to reach this stage, with the Knicks knocking out the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons, and the Pacers defeating the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers. The contrast in styles—Indiana’s fast-paced, high-scoring offense against New York’s gritty, defense-first approach—has made for a compelling series.
As the series shifts back to Indiana, all eyes will be on whether the Knicks can continue their defensive dominance and if Brunson can maintain his superstar form. For the Pacers, it’s about bouncing back and leveraging their home-court advantage to secure a long-awaited trip to the Finals.
Game 5 was a statement win for the Knicks, proving they’re not ready to go home just yet. With Jalen Brunson leading the way and a renewed defensive focus, New York has given itself a fighting chance. However, the Pacers remain a formidable opponent, and Game 6 promises to be another thrilling chapter in this intense series. Basketball fans across the country will be glued to their screens as these two teams battle for a spot in the NBA Finals.
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