The New York Knicks still have hope. After falling behind 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Indiana Pacers, the Knicks responded with a gutsy Game 5 win at Madison Square Garden to keep their season alive. Now, they’ll head to Indianapolis with a chance to pull off the improbable—win Game 6 on the road and force a decisive Game 7 back in front of their home crowd.
Led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks showed resilience in Game 5. Brunson poured in 32 points, while Towns added 24 points and 13 rebounds in a dominant two-man performance to extend the series.
With Game 6 looming, the biggest question is whether the Knicks can sustain their momentum and complete a comeback for the ages. If they do, the well-rested Oklahoma City Thunder will be waiting in the NBA Finals.
Would the Knicks Be Able to Defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals?
If New York completes the comeback, they’ll enter the Finals with some serious concerns—starting with fatigue. Going seven games this deep into the postseason could wear down a Knicks roster that’s already leaned heavily on Brunson and Towns. That could be a major disadvantage against the young, explosive Thunder, who’ve had time to rest and recover.
ESPN lead analyst and Knicks superfan Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the hypothetical Finals matchup—and didn’t mince words.
“Nothing short of divine intervention would propel them… Nothing basketball-wise that makes me believe they could beat Oklahoma City.”
— Stephen A. Smith via ClutchPoints May 30, 2025
Smith made it clear he believes the Thunder would be heavy favorites. While he appears to have faith that the Knicks can make it to the Finals, he sees little chance of them lifting the trophy against Oklahoma City.
Can the Knicks Complete the 3-1 Comeback or Force Game 7?
Game 6 is set, and the quick turnaround might actually help New York maintain momentum. Brunson and Towns seem locked in, but road wins in the playoffs are notoriously difficult—especially in elimination games.
Even though Tyrese Haliburton struggled in Game 5, the Pacers still hold the upper hand with home-court advantage. If Indiana regains its rhythm, it could be enough to close the series in six. But if the Knicks steal one in Indiana, they’ll return to Madison Square Garden with the crowd behind them and momentum firmly in their corner.
This is what playoff basketball is all about—win or go home, one game at a time. One shot to stay alive. One shot to shift the story. One shot to win it all.
While the task at hand is monumental for New York, they’ve already shown they’re capable of beating Indiana on the road. If the series does head back to New York for a do-or-die Game 7, the Madison Square Garden faithful will certainly be in an uproar.
