Knicks Shine Under Pressure to Stay Alive in the Eastern Conference Finals
The New York Knicks just aren’t ready to pack their bags yet. Facing elimination in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks answered the call with a resounding 111-94 statement against the Indiana Pacers. The win slices Indiana’s series lead to 3-2, setting up a high-stakes Game 6 back in Indianapolis.
Madison Square Garden buzzed all night, and Jalen Brunson gave the crowd plenty to cheer about. The All-Star guard poured in a season-best 32 points, showing why he’s become New York’s heartbeat this postseason. It wasn’t just his scoring—Brunson controlled the tempo, made big shots when the Knicks needed them, and held things steady every time Indiana tried to rally.
Karl-Anthony Towns brought the muscle, pushing through a bruised left knee to pile up 24 points and 13 rebounds. He crashed the glass, kept Pacers defenders honest, and knocked down mid-range jumpers to keep the offense moving. The physical toll was obvious, but Towns dug deep, refusing to let injury define his night.
Paced Attack and Smothering Defense Shift the Series
New York set the tone early—racing to a 27-23 lead after one quarter—before steadily pulling away before halftime. The home team outplayed Indiana in every facet: rebounding, hustle plays, and defense. By halftime, the Knicks held Indiana to just 45 points and had a comfortable 11-point lead.
Things didn’t get easier for the Pacers after the break. Tyrese Haliburton, who broke out for a triple-double in Game 4, couldn’t find his rhythm against New York’s swarming defense. He finished with just 8 points and 6 assists, a shadow of his recent self. Credit goes to Knicks defenders like Quentin Grimes and Obi Toppin, who clamped down on Haliburton and pressured Indiana’s shooters on every possession. The role players made a real impact—Toppin brought energy on the boards, while Grimes rotated seamlessly and closed off driving lanes.
The third quarter saw New York slam its foot on the gas, putting up 34 points to Indiana’s 28 and ballooning the lead to 17. The Pacers were left chasing the game, unable to mount the kind of response that powered their earlier series wins.
Now, the pressure shifts to the Pacers, who head home with the Knicks closing in. Indiana is still just one victory away from their second trip to the NBA Finals in franchise history—a milestone that’s slipped through their fingers before. Meanwhile, the Knicks have momentum and the carrot of NBA history: only 13 teams have ever clawed back from a 3-1 deficit to win a seven-game series. The belief is building that New York could become the 14th.
As Game 6 looms, fans in both cities are buzzing. The Knicks’ determination, led by Brunson’s fire and Towns’ grit, means this series isn’t done delivering drama yet.
- May, 30 2025
- Cassius Montgomery
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