In a must-win Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers matchup lived up to its drama, and then some. With their season hanging by a thread, the Knicks rose to the occasion at Madison Square Garden, defeating the Pacers 111–94 and clawing back in the series to 2–3.
The night belonged to Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, who combined for a stunning 56 points. Brunson lit up the scoreboard with 32 points, while Towns, playing through a knee injury, posted a commanding 24-point, 13-rebound double-double.
The New “OK Duo”?
Brunson and Towns etched their names in postseason lore, becoming the first duo since Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant in 2002 to each score 20+ points in the first five games of a conference finals series. If history is any indicator, this Knicks duo might just be onto something special.
Brunson continues to elevate his game, averaging 33 points and 5.4 assists per game in the series, with an efficient 51.4% shooting. Meanwhile, Towns is posting 25.4 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, a major presence on both ends.
Defensive Redemption
What truly set Game 5 apart was New York’s suffocating defense. After allowing Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton to dominate earlier games, the Knicks made critical adjustments. With Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart leading the perimeter defense, Haliburton was limited to just 8 points on 2-of-7 shooting, along with only 6 assists — all series lows.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau’s defensive scheme paid off, as Indiana was held to just 94 points, their lowest total of the series.
Fast Start, Relentless Finish
From the opening tip, the Knicks played with urgency. Brunson opened the game with a flurry, scoring 14 first-quarter points, helping the Knicks to a 27–23 lead. Towns took over in the second quarter, pouring in 12 points, pushing the halftime lead to 56–45.
The third quarter saw the Knicks stretch the lead to nearly 20. Even as Indiana threatened a comeback, a 10–0 Knicks run sparked by Brunson and Hart put the game out of reach.
The Pacers’ bench, led by Bennedict Mathurin with 23 points, tried to mount a fourth-quarter surge. But New York’s depth responded with clutch plays from Bridges, Hart, and Miles McBride, sealing the win and keeping the season alive.
Game 6 on the Horizon
With momentum shifting, the Knicks now travel to Indiana for Game 6, set for June 1 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers, who still hold a 3–2 series lead, will look to regroup after a flat Game 5 performance.
Haliburton, reflecting on the loss, admitted, “It was a bad night. I’ve got to set the tone better offensively.” Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam emphasized the lack of intensity: “They came out hungrier. We didn’t match that.”
Knicks center Towns summed it up best: “We were facing the end. We had to bring everything. We’re not done yet.”
Key Stats Snapshot
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Brunson (NYK) | 32 | 5 | 5 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK) | 24 | 13 | 3 |
| Bennedict Mathurin (IND) | 23 | 9 | 2 |
| Tyrese Haliburton (IND) | 8 | 2 | 6 |
FAQs
The Indiana Pacers lead the series 3–2 after the Knicks won Game 5.
Jalen Brunson led all scorers with 32 points.
Haliburton struggled, scoring only 8 points with 6 assists.
Game 6 will be played on June 1 at the Pacers’ home court in Indiana.
They’re the first duo since Kobe and Shaq (2002) to score 20+ in the first five conference finals games.
Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and Miles McBride all scored in double figures and played crucial defensive roles.
Final Thoughts
The New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers series just got a lot more interesting. What looked like a comfortable Pacers path to the Finals is now a tense chess match. If Brunson and Towns continue their dominant play — and if the Knicks’ defense holds — we could be headed for an epic Game 7.
But first, it’s back to Indiana. Buckle up.
