The New York Knicks survive to live another day in the 2025 NBA playoffs after a blow out game 6 win against the Indiana Pacers, 111-94–forcing game 6 to extend the series, thanks to Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and coach Tom Thibodeau doing what fans wanted him to do a long time ago.
Brunson Says Not Today
Just when it seemed like New York’s season was over after trailing 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals, Brunson gave New Yorkers another chance at the championship.
The 2-time All-star gave another exceptional performance after going for 32 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds. Achieving such incredible stat line makes him the fourth NBA player to record ten 30+ points and 5+ assists in a single playoff run, joining an elite company featuring Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who’s also doing the same this year).
Jalen Brunson has been one of the key reasons why the Knicks are enjoying a great success in the postseason. In the past five games against Indiana, the former Villanova standout has been averaging 33 points per game. He’s been the offensive core for the Knicks and has slowly become subtly unstoppable. Despite being a small point guard, the 6-foot-2 star still found a way to bully even the best Pacers defenders in game 5.
To think that Brunson is doing his best even with a massive paycut is such a win-win for the Knicks.
Knicks’ Desperate Defense and Deep Bench Finds a Way to Slow Haliburton Down
After a being almost eliminated, Tom Thibodeau made some huge adjustments in game 5 to flip the switch. Coach Thibs turned from fielding his starters 40 minutes a game to actually allowing the reserves to pick up the slack.
Landry Shamet and Delon Wright finally received more playing time, which turned out terrific for New York. Shamet and Wright made every minute count with their impeccable defense. Both influenced the Knicks’ defensive scheme against the Pacers’ top-tier offense, especially Tyrese Haliburton, who’s been going insane in the playoffs. Unfortunately, it was a rough game for Hali as he only made 8 points in game 5.
However, we also have to give props to Karl-Anthony Towns for playing through a bruised knee and dropping an easy 24-point, 13-rebound double-double.
The Eastern Conference Finals will return to Indianapolis for game 6 on Sunday, June 1. The Indiana Pacers are going to have do their best yet to prevent another 3-1 comeback. Historically, there have only been 13 recorded comebacks out of the 283 matchups that has featured a 3-1
