The New York Knicks secured a decisive 111-94 Game 5 Eastern Conference finals home victory over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, extending their playoff run. The impressive defensive showing left the NBA world buzzing about the possibility of them forcing a Game 7 at Madison Square Garden.
Trailing 3-1 and facing elimination, New York locked in defensively. After surrendering 130 points during Tuesday’s Game 4 road loss, it held Indiana to only 94 points. That marked the first time in 15 postseason outings that the fast-paced offensive squad failed to reach the 100-point mark.
Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson came through with a game-high 32 points, five rebounds, five assists, and four 3-pointers, shooting a blistering 12-for-18 (66.7%). Meanwhile, his co-star Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double.
On the flip side, Pacers star forward Pascal Siakam was his squad’s lone starter to finish in double figures, managing 15 points. Third-year wing Bennedict Mathurin tallied a team-best 23 points off the bench as Indiana shot just 30-for-74 (40.5%), squandering a chance to close out the series.
NBA World Reacts to Knicks’ Game 5 Victory Over Pacers
Following New York’s Game 5 triumph, fans on X expressed optimism about the team pulling off a 3-1 series comeback.
“WE AIN’T DONE. KNICKS IN 7,” one fan page said.
WE AIN’T DONE.
KNICKS IN 7. pic.twitter.com/IMOBlpKQMX
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) May 30, 2025
“7,” actor and Knicks superfan Ben Stiller wrote.
7
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) May 30, 2025
“Game 6….. ALLLL the pressure is on the Pacers. You do the same exact thing you did tonight, & it’s a close game in the 4th? Idk if they’ll be able to handle that pressure,” another fan account predicted.
Game 6…..
ALLLL the pressure is on the Pacers. You do the same exact thing you did tonight, & it’s a close game in the 4th? Idk if they’ll be able to handle that pressure
— Let’s Talk Knicks (LTK) (@LetsTalkKnicks_) May 30, 2025
However, others anticipated Indiana wrapping up the series at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Game 6.
“Hali probably saving his best performance for Saturday,” one user remarked.
Hali probably saving his best performance for Saturday pic.twitter.com/Kd6WAxaba9
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) May 30, 2025
“I think Indy closes it out next game but Game 7 in MSG sounds unbelievable,” another commented.
I think Indy closes it out next game
but Game 7 in MSG sounds unbelievable
— jack (@TheCavsJack) May 30, 2025
Meanwhile, outspoken veteran analyst Skip Bayless poked fun at both teams’ chances of challenging the Western Conference powerhouse Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals.
“Maybe the NBA can allow the Knicks and Pacers to combine squads for the Finals. The KnickerPacers could actually win two games vs Oklahoma City,” Bayless quipped.
Maybe the NBA can allow the Knicks and Pacers to combine squads for the Finals. The KnickerPacers could actually win two games vs Oklahoma City.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 30, 2025
Knicks Looking To Make NBA Playoff History
After picking up its first home win of the East finals, New York will look to stay alive again during Saturday’s Game 6 clash in Indiana. The Knicks are 1-1 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in the series.
No team has ever won a conference finals series after losing Games 1 and 2 on its home floor. If New York pulls off the feat, it will become just the 14th squad to overcome a 3-1 series deficit.
