Knicks Force Game 6 with Dominant Game 5 Win
The New York Knicks kept their championship hopes alive with a commanding 111–94 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. The win narrows the Pacers' series lead to 3–2, setting up a critical Game 6 in Indianapolis on Saturday.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 32 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 24 points and 13 rebounds despite playing through a bruised left knee. The Knicks' defense was pivotal, holding Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton to just eight points on 2-for-7 shooting, a stark contrast to his triple-double performance in Game 4.
The Knicks established control early, leading 27–23 after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 56–45 by halftime. A 12–0 run in the third quarter, highlighted by a four-point play from Brunson, pushed the lead to 86–64, effectively sealing the game.
Bench players Landry Shamet and Josh Hart provided crucial support, with Shamet energizing the crowd through his defensive efforts. Head coach Tom Thibodeau's strategic adjustments and nine-man rotation were instrumental in the team's improved performance.
The Pacers will look to close out the series in Game 6 on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. If necessary, a decisive Game 7 will be held on Monday back in New York.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 32 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 24 points and 13 rebounds despite playing through a bruised left knee. The Knicks' defense was pivotal, holding Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton to just eight points on 2-for-7 shooting, a stark contrast to his triple-double performance in Game 4.
The Knicks established control early, leading 27–23 after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 56–45 by halftime. A 12–0 run in the third quarter, highlighted by a four-point play from Brunson, pushed the lead to 86–64, effectively sealing the game.
Bench players Landry Shamet and Josh Hart provided crucial support, with Shamet energizing the crowd through his defensive efforts. Head coach Tom Thibodeau's strategic adjustments and nine-man rotation were instrumental in the team's improved performance.
The Pacers will look to close out the series in Game 6 on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. If necessary, a decisive Game 7 will be held on Monday back in New York.