Brunson drops 32 as Knicks defeat Pacers in Game 5, force crucial Game 6
The New York Knicks breathed life into their 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals campaign with a commanding 111-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.
Behind a standout performance from Jalen Brunson, who dropped 32 points, and a gutsy double-double from Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks avoided elimination and now trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series.
After losing the first two games of the series at home and falling behind 3-1 overall, New York returned to The Garden with renewed urgency. Fans inside the sold-out arena erupted with chants of “Knicks in 7!” as the team played its most complete game of the postseason.
Brunson, who struggled to match Tyrese Haliburton’s brilliance in Game 4, responded emphatically by notching his 20th 30-point playoff game, a Knicks franchise record. The All-Star guard scored 14 points in the first quarter alone, helping New York jump out to a 27-23 lead — a stark contrast from the 43 points they allowed in the opening quarter of Game 4.
Karl-Anthony Towns shines through injury
Despite being listed as questionable with a bruised left knee suffered late in Game 4, Karl-Anthony Towns delivered when it mattered most. The power forward tallied 24 points and 13 rebounds, playing a critical role in the Knicks' second-quarter surge while Brunson briefly cooled off.
Towns' presence in the paint gave the Knicks a physical edge, while his perimeter shooting forced Indiana to stretch defensively — opening up lanes for Brunson and other guards to attack.
Thursday’s performance marked a defensive turnaround for a Knicks team that had looked overwhelmed at times during the series. The Pacers were held to 40.5% shooting from the field, and their 94 total points were their lowest of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Tyrese Haliburton, who posted a historic triple-double in Game 4 (32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds), was limited to just 8 points and 6 assists. New York’s physical on-ball pressure and improved help defense disrupted Indiana’s rhythm early and often.
Can the Knicks make history?
The Knicks now aim to become only the 14th team in NBA history to rally from a 3-1 deficit in a playoff series — and the first ever to do so in a Conference Finals after losing the first two games at home.
Game 6 is scheduled for Saturday, June 1, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. A win on the road would force a dramatic Game 7 at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks would have the chance to complete one of the most improbable comebacks in franchise history.
What’s at stake in Game 6
For Indiana, Saturday presents another opportunity to clinch just their second-ever trip to the NBA Finals, the first since their lone appearance in 2000. For New York, it’s about survival and momentum.
If the Knicks replicate the effort from Game 5 — especially on the defensive end — they could carry that momentum into a decisive Game 7 back on their home court.
Next Game Details
- Match: Pacers vs Knicks – Game 6
- Date: Saturday, June 1, 2025
- Time: 8:30 PM ET
- Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
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