Pacers vs Knicks Game 5 – The New York Knicks staved off elimination in dramatic fashion on Thursday, defeating the Indiana Pacers 111-94 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals at Madison Square Garden. With their backs against the wall and facing a 3-1 series deficit, the Knicks got monster performances from Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to force a pivotal Game 6 in Indianapolis on Saturday night.
A Statement Home Win
For the first time in the series, the Knicks won on their home floor—breaking the Pacers’ six-game road winning streak and denying Indiana its second trip to the NBA Finals. Fans chanted “Knicks in 7! Knicks in 7!” as New York extended hopes of becoming the 14th team to overcome a 3-1 hole. No team has ever rallied from a 0-2 home deficit in a conference final, underscoring the enormity of the challenge the Knicks face in Game 6.
Brunson’s Record-Setting Night
Brunson, who struggled in Game 4, ignited the offense with 14 first-quarter points. He finished with 32 points—his franchise-record 21st postseason game of 30 or more points—showing why he remains the team’s heartbeat. Even when Brunson cooled off at times, Towns delivered, pouring in 12 points in the second quarter while Brunson was scoreless. Together, they built leads that the Pacers could not erase.
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Towns Battles Through Injury
Towns entered Game 5 questionable after bruising his left knee late in Game 4. Rather than sit out, he logged 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, providing the inside presence the Knicks needed. His ability to finish at the rim and crash the boards helped New York control the paint and limit second-chance points for Indiana.
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Knicks’ Defense Stifles Pacers
Two nights after surrendering 43 first-quarter points in Game 4, the Knicks tightened defensively. They held Indiana to just 45 points in the first half and contained All-Star Tyrese Haliburton—who had a 32-point triple-double in Game 4—to only eight points and six assists. Indiana shot a season-low 40.5% from the floor, its poorest offensive showing of the playoffs.
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Bench Boost and Team Balance
In addition to Brunson and Towns:
- Josh Hart provided his usual energy, diving for loose balls and contributing key buckets.
- Miles McBride offered scoring off the bench, maintaining the team’s intensity when the starters rested.
- Defense and Rebounding: Mitchell Robinson and other role players anchored the defense and controlled the glass, allowing the Knicks to push in transition.
Coach Tom Thibodeau praised the “collective effort,” noting that every player bought in on the adjustments made after Game 4’s defensive lapses.
Turning Point: The Third Quarter Run
After halftime, the Knicks quickly erased any Pacers comeback hopes. Brunson scored the first eight points of the third quarter, pushing New York’s lead to 20. Indiana briefly cut the margin, but a 12-0 Knicks spurt—highlighted by Brunson’s four-point play—extended the lead to 86-64, effectively sealing the outcome.
What’s Next: Game 6 in Indianapolis
The series now shifts back to Indiana for Game 6 on Saturday. A Knicks victory would force a deciding Game 7 back at Madison Square Garden. The Pacers, with home-court advantage, will look to close out the series. New York must replicate its defensive intensity and balanced attack to survive:
- Limit Tyrese Haliburton: New York’s defense held him in check once; they must do it again.
- Dominate the Paint: Towns and Robinson must control the boards.
- Brunson’s Leadership: The point guard will need another big night to guide the offense.
With history on the line, both teams will bring everything they have. The Pacers vs Knicks saga continues. And fans can catch all the action on national broadcasts. Check local listings for where to watch Knicks vs Pacers Game 6.
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