Knicks revive their championship hopes with crucial Game 5 victory

In the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA playoffs, the New York Knicks faced elimination against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. On Thursday night, May 29, 2025, the Knicks secured a vital 111-94 victory in Game 5, which extended the series and kept their championship aspirations alive. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with an impressive performance, scoring 32 points while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 24 points and 13 rebounds despite nursing a bruised knee. This win marked the Knicks' first home victory of the series, bringing them closer to overcoming a 3-1 deficit in hopes of reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. The game showcased the Knicks' determination and intensity from the outset, as they outscored the Pacers in points in the paint and ensured that only one Pacers player scored over 20 points. The Pacers, coming off a strong Game 4 win, struggled to cope with the Knicks' pressure and were unable to replicate their previous performance. Tyrese Haliburton, who had a historical triple-double in Game 4, significantly underperformed in Game 5, scoring just eight points on limited shooting attempts. The Knicks' defense effectively neutralized the Pacers' offensive strategies, leaving Indiana coach Rick Carlisle acknowledging that his team was outplayed and needed to improve. The implications of this victory are significant for both teams. For the Knicks, this win is a signal of their resilience and ability to bounce back under pressure. Coach Tom Thibodeau's tactical decisions, including using a deeper player rotation, also played a crucial role in the Knicks’ advantage. The upcoming Game 6, scheduled in Indiana, presents a must-win scenario for both teams, as the Knicks aim to push the series to a decisive Game 7 at Madison Square Garden. Meanwhile, the Pacers seek to eliminate the Knicks once and for all and secure only their second appearance in the NBA Finals. With fans chanting 'Knicks in 7' throughout the arena on Thursday night, the atmosphere signaled renewed hope for Knicks supporters. Jalen Brunson's performance in Game 5 stands out historically, as he set a franchise record for the most playoff games with 30 or more points as a Knick. The series remains tightly contested, and as both teams prepare for Game 6, the pressure remains high, particularly for the Pacers to capitalize on their home advantage and avoid forcing a Game 7 in New York.