The New York Knicks entered Knicks vs Pacers Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals desperate to avoid going down 3–1 to the Indiana Pacers. Instead, they witnessed a clinic in offensive efficiency and unrelenting pace from Indiana. In front of a stunned Madison Square Garden crowd, the Pacers ran away 130–121, marking their fourth straight five-game series victory this postseason and placing them one win from their first NBA Finals since 2000.
Haliburton’s Historic Night and Pacers’ Offensive Onslaught
Tyrese Haliburton delivered a performance for the ages. He poured in 32 points, dished 15 assists, and grabbed 12 rebounds—all without a single turnover. According to ESPN Research, he is the first player in playoff history (dating to 1977–78) to record at least 30 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds, and zero turnovers. Haliburton torched the Knicks from start to finish, tallying 15 points and six assists in a blistering first quarter.
Pascal Siakam added 30 points of his own, imposing his will in the paint and on the boards. Off the bench, Bennedict Mathurin contributed 20 points, ensuring Indiana’s scoring never dipped. The Pacers finished with a 51.1% field-goal clip, poured in 50 points in the paint, and scored 22 transition points. Their balanced attack left New York gasping for answers.
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Knicks’ Defensive Collapse and Missed Opportunities
The Knicks’ vaunted defense—once their trademark under Tom Thibodeau—was nowhere to be found. New York allowed more points in the first quarter (43) than in the entire second half of Game 3 (42). Haliburton capitalized on every lapse, while Siakam and Mathurin exploited open lanes.
Key issues for the Knicks included:
- Turnovers: New York committed 17 turnovers, five by Josh Hart, leading to 28 Pacers points off turnovers.
- Perimeter Lapses: Jaylen Brown and Mikal Bridges were ineffective defensively, leaving shooters open for uncontested three-pointers.
- Paint Defense: Indiana’s 50 paint points highlighted New York’s failure to protect the rim.
Despite Jalen Brunson’s 31-point fight—his sixth 30-point playoff game this year—and strong showings from Karl-Anthony Towns (24 points) and OG Anunoby (22 points), the Knicks pacers matchup slipped away early.
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Knicks’ Brief Rally and the Final Blow
Trailing by 15 early in the fourth quarter, New York showed heart. They whittled the lead down to six multiple times, fueled by Brunson and Towns. However, stops never came. With 46.1 seconds remaining, former Knick Obi Toppin buried Indiana’s 13th three-pointer—another wide-open shot—effectively sealing the rout.
“Another miracle comeback wasn’t in the cards,” Thibodeau lamented. “We couldn’t defend. When you give up 130 points, it’s tough to win.”
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What Lies Ahead in the Knicks vs Pacers Series
Now facing elimination, the Knicks vs Pacers series shifts back to Madison Square Garden for Game 5 on Thursday. New York is just 3–5 in home playoff elimination games. They must string together three straight wins against a Pacers team that has yet to drop consecutive games all postseason.
Indiana will carry confidence—knowing a single victory sends them to the NBA Finals for the first time since their 2000 clash with the Knicks. They have dominated in knicks vs pacers matchups this year, and their depth will continue to test New York’s resolve.
The Pacers have polished their offensive arsenal and play with a selfless pace that wears down opponents. For the Knicks, the challenge is daunting:
- Shut Down Haliburton: Limiting his playmaking is non-negotiable.
- Secure the Ball: Reducing turnovers must be a top priority.
- Reclaim Paint Presence: Defensive intensity in the paint will decide momentum.
As the series tilts towards Indiana, one question looms: Can the New York Knicks recapture the intensity that sparked their rise this postseason, or will the Indiana Pacers run away with this showdown? Fans can catch where to watch Pacers vs Knicks on local and national sports networks, with tip-off slated for 8 p.m. ET Thursday.
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