2025 NBA Playoffs: Pacers aim to eliminate Knicks in Game 5 of Eastern Conference finals

Pacers look to clinch NBA finals berth with Game 5 win

The Indiana Pacers hold a 3-1 series advantage over the New York Knicks as they prepare for Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. A win at Madison Square Garden would send Indiana to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. The Pacers have successfully closed out each of their last two series in five games during this postseason, including victories over the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics.

Indiana has now won four consecutive games when facing playoff-series-clinching scenarios, the longest such streak in franchise history. If the Pacers defeat the Knicks on Thursday, May 28, they would become the lowest-seeded team, a No. 4 seed, to lose one game or fewer in each round en route to the NBA Finals since the playoff field expanded to 16 teams in 1984.

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The New York Knicks face elimination for the fourth time under head coach Tom Thibodeau. In the previous three elimination games during his tenure, the Knicks hold a 1-3 record. New York will need to avoid its fourth series loss under Thibodeau to force a Game 6 and keep its season alive.

Haliburton leads Indiana with historic Game 4 performance

Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton delivered a standout performance in Game 4, finishing with 32 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds, and zero turnovers. He became only the third player in NBA history to record at least 30 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds in a playoff game, joining Oscar Robertson and Nikola Jokic.

Haliburton also became the first player since individual turnovers were officially recorded in 1977-78 to register a playoff game with at least 30 points, 15 assists, and no turnovers. His efficient play was instrumental in the Pacers' Game 4 win, giving Indiana a commanding series lead heading into Game 5.

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The Knicks will look to counter Haliburton’s production and improve on both ends of the court in a must-win scenario. New York’s offensive consistency and defensive discipline will be critical as they attempt to extend the series.

Tip-off for Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.