The New York Knicks are refusing to go quietly in the Eastern Conference Finals, securing a 111-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden. Facing elimination, the Knicks delivered a dominant defensive performance, limiting Indiana to just 94 points, their lowest total of the series. With the win, New York forces a Game 6 in Indianapolis, keeping their hopes of a historic comeback alive.
Leading the charge was Jalen Brunson, who put up 32 points on an efficient 12-of-18 shooting, including four three-pointers. Brunson’s ability to control the tempo and make clutch plays was instrumental in the Knicks’ success. Karl-Anthony Towns also stepped up, recording a double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds, providing much-needed interior presence. The Knicks’ defensive intensity was evident from the start, holding Indiana to just 45 first-half points, a stark contrast to the 43-point first quarter the Pacers posted in Game 4.
Despite trailing 3-1 in the series before Game 5, the Knicks have shown resilience throughout the playoffs. They previously overcame multiple 20-point deficits against the Boston Celtics in the second round, proving their ability to fight back under pressure. However, history remains against them-New York has never come back from a 3-1 deficit in franchise history, holding an 0-15 record in such situations, including three previous failures against the Pacers.
Hope will live until the end
The Knicks’ defensive adjustments played a crucial role in their Game 5 victory. Head coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized aggressive ball pressure and disciplined rotations, forcing Indiana into tough shots and limiting their transition opportunities. Tyrese Haliburton, who had been dominant in previous games, was held to just eight points on seven shot attempts, a significant drop from his Game 4 triple-double performance.
With Game 6 looming, the Knicks must replicate their defensive success and continue relying on their stars to extend the series. If they can force a Game 7, the momentum will shift dramatically, putting pressure on Indiana to close out the series on the road. The Knicks’ home crowd played a significant role in their Game 5 win, and they will need to bring that same energy to Indianapolis on Saturday night.
However, history tells a different story-the Knicks have never overcome a 3-1 deficit in franchise history (0-15), including three previous failures against the Pacers. And to but less hope on the matter, there have been only three instances where a team has come back from a 3-1 deficit.
Successfully, the last team to do so was the Golden State Warriors in 2016, but with that said. The other two teams to do so were the 1981 Boston Celtics, who beat the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference finals, and the 1979 Washington Bullets, who beat the San Antonio Spurs in the Eastern Conference finals after falling behind 3-1.
While the odds remain stacked against them, the Knicks have proven they can weather adversity. If they can maintain their defensive intensity and capitalize on Indiana’s mistakes, they might just pull off one of the most memorable comebacks in NBA history. For now, the focus remains on Game 6, where New York will fight to keep their season alive.
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