Knicks stay alive in Eastern Conference finals, force Game 6 against Pacers

Jalen Brunson leads Knicks to crucial Game 5 victory

The New York Knicks avoided elimination by defeating the Indiana Pacers 111-94 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals. The Knicks never trailed in the contest, building a 22-point lead in the third quarter and maintaining control throughout.

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 32 points on 12-of-18 shooting, adding five rebounds and five assists. His consistent postseason performance continued, as he joined LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the only players to record at least 10 games with 30 points and five assists in a single postseason.

Also read: All about Pacers vs. Knicks Game 5: time, key players, how to watch, expert prediction, and what to expect from a season-defining showdown


The Pacers struggled offensively, shooting just 40.5 per cent from the field and committing 19 turnovers. Tyrese Haliburton finished with eight points on 2-of-7 shooting, along with six assists and two rebounds. It marked Indiana's first Game 5 loss in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, after previously defeating both the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers in the same situation.

Knicks set for road challenge in Game 6 at Indiana

Despite building a large lead, the Knicks were briefly tested in the fourth quarter when the Pacers cut the deficit to 12 points. Head coach Tom Thibodeau responded by reintroducing his starters to secure the result. New York held firm until Indiana pulled its starters in the final minutes.

With the win, the Knicks force a Game 6, scheduled for Saturday, May 31, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Pacers are seeking their first NBA finals appearance since 2000. The Knicks, meanwhile, aim to extend the series to a deciding Game 7.

New York will face a difficult road environment, with Indiana fans aware of the team’s proximity to the finals. The Pacers have shown resilience throughout the postseason, consistently responding to setbacks. Game 6 presents a high-stakes opportunity for both teams to assert control in a tightly contested series.

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

Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET on TNT.