The New York Knicks forced Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals with a resounding 111–94 win against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Now the series returns to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse with the season on the line. Down 3–2, New York has no more margin for error. But if Game Five was any indication, they’re not ready to give up the ghost just yet.
Jalen Brunson poured in 32 points on 12-of-18 shooting—his tenth game this postseason with 30+ points and 5+ assists, putting him in rare air alongside Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Karl-Anthony Towns soldiered through knee pain to deliver a 24-13 double-double in one of his greatest postseason performances. Mitchell Robinson helped anchor a defensive effort that held Tyrese Haliburton to eight points on seven shots and forced 19 Pacers turnovers.
The Knicks were sharper, tougher, and better coached. Tom Thibodeau pulled the right levers—he utilized 10 players in the game, and even sent in the mighty Ariel Hukporti just for fun at the end.
A thought on Hukporti: imagine what could have been if a torn meniscus hadn’t shortened the big German’s first season of NBA development. He could be filling in as a rim protector for 5 to 10-minute stretches to spell Karl-Anthony or Mitch. I’d go out on a limb to say that with a slightly more experienced Hukporti in the rotation, New York would have beaten Indiana in five.
On Thursday, the supporting cast defended with discipline, especially the wings, who iced Haliburton out of his usual processes, and Landry Shamet, who gave Talulah Jespertine McConnell the fits in limited action. With Brunson playing up to his superstar standard, the Knicks have every reason to believe they can push this series to seven.
Prediction
ESPN likes Indiana at 58%. Can’t blame them. Indy will play on their home court, where they poured 130 points on New York just four nights ago, and coach Rick Carlisle has surely devised some counters to Tom Thibodeau’s defensive schemes. The Knicks are a great road team, however; if they continue to corral Haliburton as they did in Game Five, limit their turnovers, win the boards, and make their shots—just a few wee little things—this game is theirs. Prepare your party platter for Game Seven in NYC on Monday night! Knicks win tonight in a thriller, +2.
Game Details
Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
TV Broadcast: TNT
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