The Knicks live to fight another day in the Eastern Conference Finals after defeating the Indiana Pacers 111–94 in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden, forcing a Game 6 in Indiana this Saturday. The energy from New York and its fans was electric from tipoff, as the Knicks got off to a hot start, outscoring the Pacers in both the first and second quarters.
Coach Tom Thibodeau seems to have realized since Game 3 — their first win of the series and their first on the road — that the bench will play a crucial role in this series. Ten players were in the rotation for New York, including Landry Shamet, Delon Wright, and Precious Achiuwa, who brought much-needed energy and defense off the bench.
The story of the night was “Captain Clutch” Jalen Brunson. After facing criticism throughout the series, he was due for a big performance — and delivered. Brunson led the Knicks with 32 points, finishing as the game’s top scorer while adding five rebounds, five assists, and four made three-pointers.
Karl-Anthony Towns was also key, contributing 24 points and 13 rebounds. Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges chipped in 12 points each, while OG Anunoby added 11. Landry Shamet and Miles McBride combined for 10 points, but their defensive impact made them the true X-factors of the night.
Expanded rotation
“Everyone on this team is always ready for their moment. This team is special,” said KAT about the expanded rotation. “Tonight was a great example — when we’re locked in for 48 minutes, we can show the world how special we really are.”
Karl-Anthony Towns on adding players to the rotation:
"Everyone on the team is continuously ready for their moment. This team's special. Tonight was a good testament to when we're locked in playing 48 minutes we can show the world how special we really are" pic.twitter.com/sKQ9SuUoP4
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 30, 2025
“I’ve got a lot of respect for them, and I’m just happy they came in and did what they did,” Jalen Brunson said about Delon Wright and Landry Shamet.
Shamet left the game to a standing ovation and chants from the crowd — a moment that reminded him just how much he loves playing in New York. “I love New York. I love these fans. I’ve seen how they ride the wave with us — the highs, the lows. It’s important to me to give everything I’ve got for them,” he said.
"I love New York. I love these fans. I've seen how they ride the wave with us - the highs, the lows. It's just important for me to give everything I've got to them."
Landry Shamet talks about the standing ovation he got tonight: pic.twitter.com/dswhNMm6MA
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 30, 2025
On the Pacers’ side, Tyrese Haliburton was held to just eight points and six assists. Benedict Mathurin led Indiana with 23 points, while Pascal Siakam added 15 and Obi Toppin 11.
Indiana still leads the series 3–2 and will look to close it out at home at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to advance to the NBA Finals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder await.