Knicks Shock Pacers Is a Comeback Brewing?

Knicks Stave Off Elimination, Extend Eastern Conference Finals in Dominant Game 5 Victory

The New York Knicks, facing elimination, delivered a resounding statement Thursday night at Madison Square Garden, defeating the Indiana Pacers 111-94 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Fueled by stellar performances from Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks ignited hope among their fanbase, forcing a crucial Game 6 back in Indiana. Chants of "Knicks in 7" reverberated throughout the iconic arena, a testament to the renewed belief in this resilient team.

From the opening tip-off, the Knicks displayed a sense of urgency and determination that had been lacking in their previous two home games against the Pacers in this series. They came out firing on all cylinders, establishing an early lead and maintaining control throughout the contest.

Key Takeaways from the Knicks' Game 5 Triumph:

• Brunson's Brilliance: Jalen Brunson continued his stellar playoff run, leading all scorers with 32 points. His aggressive drives to the basket and clutch shooting proved too much for the Pacers' defense to handle.
• Towns' Tenacity: Despite being listed as a game-time decision due to a knee contusion, Karl-Anthony Towns showcased his toughness and skill, contributing 24 points and 13 rebounds. His presence inside was a major factor in the Knicks' success. "I looked at the game and it said Game 5 do-or-die. That was pretty much all I needed to see," Towns told reporters.
• Defensive Lockdown: The Knicks' defense was instrumental in stifling Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who was limited to just 8 points and 6 assists after a dominant Game 4 performance.

Brunson and Towns: A Dynamic Duo

The dynamic between Brunson and Towns proved to be a major difference-maker in Game 5. Their combined offensive firepower put immense pressure on the Pacers' defense, creating opportunities for their teammates.

In fact, their performance placed them in rare company: Brunson and Towns became the first teammates to both score 20+ points in each of the first five games of a conference finals since Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal did so for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2002.

Haliburton's Struggles

After a historic Game 4 performance where he registered 30 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds without a turnover, Tyrese Haliburton struggled to find his rhythm in Game 5. The Knicks' focused defensive effort clearly had an impact on his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Celebrity Sightings

The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was electric, with a star-studded crowd that included actors Timothée Chalamet and Ben Stiller, Kylie Jenner, and director Spike Lee, all cheering on the Knicks.

Looking Ahead to Game 6

The Pacers, now leading the series 3-2, will have an opportunity to clinch their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000 on Saturday night in front of their home fans. However, the Knicks' Game 5 victory has injected new life into their championship aspirations.

"We’re up 3-1, their season is on the line today,” Haliburton said pre-game. “Understand they are going to come out and play hard. … Now, it is on us to respond in Game 6."

Can the Knicks carry the momentum from this crucial win into Game 6? Or will the Pacers regain their composure and close out the series on their home court? One thing is certain: basketball fans are in for an exciting finish to this Eastern Conference Finals matchup.

The Knicks' resurgence in Game 5 was a testament to their resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in themselves. It's a reminder that in the playoffs, anything is possible, and no lead is ever truly safe. As the series shifts back to Indiana, the Knicks have proven they're not ready to go down without a fight, setting the stage for a captivating Game 6 showdown.

Tags: New York Knicks, Knicks, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, NBA Playoffs, Eastern Conference Finals, Knicks vs Pacers, NBA, Game 5, Madison Square Garden

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/30/sport/knicks-pacers-game-5-eastern-conference-finals-spt