Facing elimination and trailing 3-1 in the series, the New York Knicks were under immense pressure heading into Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers.
Until that point, they hadn’t won at home in the series, and many doubted their ability to keep the postseason alive.
But rather than fold, Tom Thibodeau‘s team delivered their most complete performance of the series, dismantling Indiana 121-104 at Madison Square Garden and forcing a Game 6 in Indianapolis.
The Knicks seized momentum right from tip-off, outscoring the Pacers 27-23 in the opening quarter and maintaining control throughout the night.
Their urgency was clear on both ends of the court, and it all started with Jalen Brunson, who scored 32 points on 12-of-18 shooting, dictating the tempo and lifting his team’s energy level.
Following the game, Brunson spoke with TNT’s Allie LaForce and shared the key to the Knicks’ turnaround: “We were just able to get stops early. Run. Were able to convert and we just found a way.”
Brunson‘s offensive impact was complemented by a resurgent performance from Karl-Anthony Towns, who finished with 24 points and a double-double. But perhaps the biggest story of the night was the Knicks’ defensive stand.
They held Indiana to just 94 points – the Pacers‘ lowest total of the series – and completely neutralized Tyrese Haliburton, who struggled to find rhythm after a historic Game 4.
Knicks rediscover defensive identity with season at stake
Game 5 marked a return to the type of gritty, disciplined basketball that has defined the Knicks all season.
They pressured Indiana into tough shots, dominated the boards, and forced turnovers that led to fast-break opportunities. That energy translated into a wire-to-wire victory in which the Knicks never trailed.
Brunson highlighted the team’s renewed focus and effort: “I just feel like we just played better. We played better. We played to our standards and you gotta give them a lot of credit for the way they played. But we played Knicks basketball tonight.”
Despite the win, the challenge is far from over. Teams coming back from 3-1 deficits in the NBA playoffs remain rare – it’s happened just 13 times in league history.
That makes Game 6 in Indiana another must-win, and the Knicks will need to replicate the defensive energy and efficient scoring they displayed at MSG.
Brunson knows what’s at stake and isn’t looking too far ahead. His mindset is grounded and methodical: “Just focused on one thing at a time. One quarter and then we go from there. Focus on the first quarter.”
As they prepare for the trip to Indianapolis, the Knicks understand that anything short of another inspired, 48-minute effort could end their playoff run. But with their leader locked in and momentum shifting, the belief inside the locker room is alive and well.
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