The New York Knicks return to Madison Square Garden tonight facing elimination, down 3–1 in the Eastern Conference Finals after Tuesday’s 130–121 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Despite strong performances from Jalen Brunson (31 points), Karl-Anthony Towns (24 points, 12 rebounds), and OG Anunoby (22 points), the Knicks were undone by a brilliant Tyrese Haliburton game—a 32-point triple-double with 15 assists, 12 rebounds, four steals, and zero turnovers.
Turnovers proved costly once again for New York. They coughed the rock up 17 times, adding more petrol to Indiana’s transition game. On the defensive end, our heroes struggled to contain the Hoosiers’ ball movement and speed, with Haliburton dissecting their schemes all night.
Karl-Anthony Towns is questionable for Game Five with a left knee contusion. He’s been dealing with knee problems off and on, and that only got worse after he a collision with Aaron Nesmith in Game Four. His status looms large—Towns has averaged nearly 26 points and 12 rebounds in the series and is one of New York’s few consistent scoring options.
Tom Thibodeau’s squad must find a way to tighten up the defense, protect the ball, and get meaningful production from their supporting cast, particularly Deuce McBride and Josh Hart. The starting lineup may once again be shuffled depending on Towns’ availability and Thibs’ gameplan to contain Haliburton.
Prediction
ESPN.com likes the Hoosiers at 54%. Meh. If the Knicks can rediscover their defensive identity and respond with the desperation of a team on the brink, they have a chance to push this series back to Indiana. But make no mistake: their margin for error is gone.
Game Details
Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, NYC
TV Broadcast: TNT
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky