Knicks Bounce Back Big in Game 5
The energy inside Madison Square Garden on Thursday night was wild. After losing two games at home earlier in the series, the Knicks came out like they had something to prove — and they did. From the very beginning, they were sharper, faster, and just more locked in than the Pacers. They never trailed at any point in the game and ended up with a 111-94 win, keeping their playoff hopes alive and cutting Indiana’s lead to 3-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
You could feel the difference. The Knicks defended harder, boxed out better, and the crowd was completely behind them, chanting “Knicks in seven” like they believed it. After getting blown out in Game 4, this kind of turnaround wasn't just important — it was necessary. And you could tell the Pacers felt the pressure. They didn’t look like the same team that dominated just a few days earlier.
Brunson Leads the Charge, Towns Stands Tall
Jalen Brunson came out firing. He dropped 14 points in the first quarter alone and finished the game with 32 points, shooting efficiently and leading with confidence. Karl-Anthony Towns, who had a scary knee moment in Game 4, didn’t let that slow him down. He put up 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. These two basically carried the Knicks offensively — but they also made sure the defense showed up.
One of the big differences? The way they handled Tyrese Haliburton. In Game 4, Haliburton had a triple-double and seemed unstoppable. This time, the Knicks locked him down. He only scored eight points and couldn’t get into a rhythm. Mikal Bridges played a big role in that, staying glued to Haliburton all night. The Knicks also won the rebounding and turnover battles — two areas they had struggled in earlier games.
Pacers Still Ahead, But the Pressure’s Rising
Even with the loss, the Pacers still lead the series 3-2. But the way they played in Game 5 should be a bit concerning for them. Coach Rick Carlisle admitted the team just didn’t bring enough energy or effort. And honestly, it showed. They shot around 40 percent from the field, got out-rebounded, and turned the ball over 19 times. That’s just not going to get it done in a playoff game.
They’ve been great on the road during the playoffs, winning six straight before this game, so it’s not like they can’t bounce back. But now, they’ve got to win Game 6 at home to avoid a Game 7 in New York — and nobody wants that kind of pressure. For the Knicks, this is a shot at history. Only 13 teams in NBA history have come back from being down 3-1 in a series. Now they’re one step closer to doing it.
What’s Next in the Series
Game 6 is happening Saturday night in Indianapolis. That game decides if the Pacers move on to the NBA Finals — or if the Knicks get one more chance to complete the comeback. The series has been full of swings, and right now, momentum feels like it’s shifting toward New York.
If the Knicks win again, we’re heading for a Game 7 in Madison Square Garden. And honestly, with the way they played in Game 5, that’s starting to feel very possible. Either way, this series just got a whole lot more interesting.
