The New York Knicks delivered a resounding statement in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, overpowering the Indiana Pacers 121–91 at Madison Square Garden and cutting the Pacers’ series lead to 3–2. This dominant performance not only kept New York’s season alive but also flipped the momentum in a fiercely contested series. With Game 6 heading back to Indiana, the Pacers are officially on high alert.
This detailed breakdown explores how the Knicks dismantled the Pacers in Game 5, what went wrong for Indiana, and why the Pacers should be seriously concerned moving forward.
Knicks Take Command in Game 5: A Statement Win at the Garden
From the opening tip, the New York Knicks brought unmatched intensity and purpose. Head coach Tom Thibodeau’s squad executed with clinical precision, outplaying the Pacers on both ends of the floor. New York led by as many as 30 points in the second half, feeding off the raucous Garden crowd and setting the tone early.
Jalen Brunson, once again, was the heart of the offense. The All-Star guard poured in 44 points, shooting 18-of-35 from the field. His relentless drive, mid-range accuracy, and control of the tempo kept Indiana’s defense off balance all night. It was Brunson’s fifth 40-point game of the playoffs, placing him in elite postseason company and setting a new Knicks franchise record for most 40-point playoff games in a single postseason.
Supporting Cast Stepped Up: Knicks Played a Complete Game
While Brunson was the headliner, the Knicks’ supporting cast rose to the occasion. Donte DiVincenzo added 18 points, draining four key three-pointers that widened the gap in the second quarter. Josh Hart, as always, contributed hustle stats that don’t show up in the box score—tenacious rebounding, key steals, and constant defensive pressure.
Isaiah Hartenstein anchored the paint, pulling down 17 rebounds and setting hard screens that opened up lanes for Brunson and DiVincenzo. His physicality in the post completely neutralized Indiana’s interior presence.
Meanwhile, OG Anunoby returned to the starting lineup after missing time with an injury and made his impact felt immediately on defense, particularly in limiting Pascal Siakam’s drives and isolations.
Pacers Falter on the Big Stage: Turnovers, Cold Shooting, and Lack of Composure
Indiana entered Game 5 with a golden opportunity to close out the series. Instead, they delivered their worst performance of the postseason. The Pacers committed 18 turnovers, many of them unforced, leading to 25 points in transition for the Knicks.
Tyrese Haliburton, who had been instrumental in the Pacers’ Game 4 win with a triple-double, was held to just 8 points and 6 assists. He struggled to find his rhythm amid the Knicks’ high-pressure perimeter defense and never looked comfortable initiating the offense.
Indiana’s three-point shooting, which had been a strength all series, fell apart. The Pacers shot just 6-of-25 from beyond the arc, while the Knicks connected on 14 threes. The lack of floor spacing allowed New York to collapse on drives and control the boards.
Perhaps most concerning was Indiana’s lack of urgency. Despite being one win away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, the Pacers were outhustled, outcoached, and outplayed for all four quarters.
Why Indiana Should Be Worried: Momentum Is Now in New York’s Hands
Though Indiana still leads the series 3–2, the Knicks have seized momentum with a signature win that could become the turning point of the series.
- Brunson is Unstoppable Right Now
Jalen Brunson is averaging 34.5 points per game in the playoffs and has shown no signs of slowing down. His confidence, efficiency, and leadership make him the most dangerous player in this series. - Knicks’ Defense Has Found Its Rhythm
After struggling to contain Haliburton and Siakam in Games 3 and 4, the Knicks adjusted their defensive strategy. Game 5 saw New York switch more aggressively and trap the Pacers’ primary ball handlers, resulting in turnovers and low-percentage shots. - Psychological Edge Shifting
The pressure is now on Indiana. A Game 6 loss at home would mean returning to Madison Square Garden—arguably the toughest venue in the NBA—for a Game 7. The psychological burden of letting a 3–2 series lead slip is real, and the Pacers know it. - Thibodeau’s Coaching Adjustments Are Working
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has outcoached Rick Carlisle in back-to-back games. His rotation tweaks, defensive schemes, and use of timeouts in Game 5 kept Indiana from gaining any momentum.
Game 6 Preview: Can the Pacers Respond at Home?
Game 6, scheduled for Saturday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, is now a must-win for the Pacers. A strong start and composure under pressure will be essential if Indiana hopes to avoid a Game 7. Expect adjustments from Carlisle, possibly involving more touches for Myles Turner inside and quicker offensive sets for Haliburton to get open looks before New York’s defense can settle.
On the other hand, the Knicks will look to carry the same intensity, led by Brunson, with support from DiVincenzo, Hart, and Hartenstein. If they win Game 6, they’ll complete one of the most impressive playoff comebacks in recent memory.
Final Thoughts: Knicks Are Rising, and the Pacers Are on the Brink
The Knicks have made a powerful statement: they are not going down without a fight. With the momentum shifting and Jalen Brunson playing at an MVP level, Indiana’s once comfortable position in this series has quickly become precarious.
The pressure is real, the stakes are high, and Game 6 may very well decide who goes to the NBA Finals. If the Knicks replicate their Game 5 performance, Indiana’s hopes of advancing could slip away just as quickly as their lead did in Madison Square Garden.