Jalen Brunson scores 32 points on 12-of-18 shooting and New York staves off elimination in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Knicks Put Up a Fierce Defense to Avert Elimination Against Pacers
NEW YORK – In a high-stakes showdown on Thursday, the New York Knicks demonstrated the grit and determination necessary to fend off elimination in the Eastern Conference Finals, defeating the Indiana Pacers 111-94 in Game 5 at the storied Madison Square Garden. The Knicks’ defense was stellar, as they neutralized a dangerous Pacers offense that had posed significant challenges throughout the series.
Defensive Dominance: Knicks Shine When It Matters
Facing their first elimination game of the season, the Knicks entered Game 5 armed with an urgent desire to keep their championship hopes alive. Right from the tip-off, the Knicks delivered a robust defensive performance, marking a sharp contrast to their earlier games where they allowed an average of 121.1 points per 100 possessions.
“In this series, we haven’t lacked scoring,” said Karl-Anthony Towns. “It’s been more about us not stopping them from scoring.” The Knicks got the stops they needed, holding the Pacers to just 94 points and forcing them into unfavorable shooting situations.
Despite conceding some transition opportunities—Indiana scored a series-high 31 points in transition—the Knicks thrived when the pace slowed down, demonstrating their understanding of defensive fundamentals. Critical contributions from players like Mitchell Robinson, who disruptively pressured Myles Turner, and a well-coordinated team defense kept the Pacers under pressure throughout the game.
One pivotal defensive sequence illustrated the Knicks’ commitment: Miles McBride maneuvered over a screen to close down Tyrese Haliburton, while Josh Hart seamlessly switched to T.J. McConnell, rendering the Pacers’ offense ineffective as the shot clock dwindled.
Brunson and Towns Lead the Charge
Offensively, the Knicks relied on their star players, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, who combined for an impressive 56 points, outscoring the entire Pacers starting lineup. Brunson, who finished with 32 points and five assists, was instrumental from the outset, scoring six points before Indiana could even take its first shot.
Brunson’s versatility shone as he maneuvered through defenders, showcasing his ability to exploit any mismatch. He made crucial plays during high-pressure moments, including a difficult floater that kept at bay any Pacers’ resurgence. Towns, meanwhile, dominated the paint, showing no apprehension against taller defenders such as Turner, attaining 24 points and 13 rebounds.
Brunson’s performance in this playoff run has been historic. His 10 games of 30 points and five assists in a single postseason have placed him among elite company, joining the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
A Strong Bench: Knicks’ Depth Proves Vital
Knicks Coach Tom Thibodeau opted for a deep rotation even while facing elimination, inserting fresh legs at critical junctures. Players like Landry Shamet and Delon Wright contributed valuable minutes, with Achiuwa stepping in during a period of foul trouble for Towns. Although the Knicks bench was outscored by nine points during Towns’ absence, the contributions were sufficient to maintain the starters’ energy during intense stretches.
The Knicks have notably shifted their bench strategy from earlier playoff games. Their reserves, who averaged just 63.5 minutes in the regular season, have now been logging significant court time, showcasing the team’s adaptability and resilience in high-stakes situations.
Pacers’ Struggles: Challenges Mounting
Despite some open shots, the Pacers were unable to capitalize. Coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged that while some sequences showed promise, their overall performance was not up to par. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton’s subpar outing—only eight points in 32 minutes—played a key role in the Pacers’ inability to execute effectively. His tendency to thrive in wins but falter in losses has raised concerns heading into Game 6.
“Rough night for me,” Haliburton admitted post-game. “I got to be better, setting the tone, getting downhill. I feel I didn’t do a great job of that.”
The Series Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Knicks’ win extends their season for at least another game, but the question remains: can they replicate this intensity against a resilient Pacers team? While their defensive prowess shone in Game 5, the Knicks know that sustaining this energy proves challenging. As Pascal Siakam stated, “They played harder than us, loose balls, rebounds, all that. We got to be able to win that battle.”
With Game 6 set for Saturday in Indiana, the stakes could not be higher. The Knicks will need to channel the same level of urgency, while the Pacers will be seeking redemption after a disappointing loss. Both teams have shown they can capitalize on each other’s weaknesses, and this series remains finely balanced with Indiana leading 3-2.
As anticipation builds, the Oklahoma City Thunder await the victor of this gripping Eastern Conference showdown.
John Schuhmann is a senior stats analyst for NBA.com. To engage with him, find his archive here and follow him on X.
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