The New York Knicks took control from the opening with their stifling defense and never looked back, clinching a solid 111-94 victory and cutting the series deficit to 2-3 in Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on May 30.
New York Knicks Top Performers:
Jalen Brunson 32 PTS | 5 REB | 5 AST | 45.5 FPS
Brunson made sure to put up a fight. While he’s been somewhat inefficient in away games in this series, he bounced back strong today. He came out hot, scoring 14 points in the first quarter, including back-to-back three-pointers that helped the Knicks build a 10-point lead. He took over again in the third, pouring in 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Brunson finished with his 21st playoff game with at least 30 points over the past three seasons. The Knicks will need another performance like that in Game 6—and he’s certainly capable, averaging 28 points across eight road games.
Karl Anthony-Towns 24 PTS| 13 REB | 3 AST | 43.1 FPS
Big KAT was initially questionable for this game after suffering a left knee injury in the Game 4 loss, but he took the court and made a strong impact in the second quarter with 12 points. However, foul trouble remained a problem, as he picked up his fourth foul early in the second half and spent most of the third quarter on the bench. Despite that, he still recorded his sixth straight game—and ninth in the last ten—with at least 20 points, along with his third consecutive game with double-digit rebounds. He was also a big factor with his inside scoring, helping the Knicks to a +26 advantage. If he can avoid foul trouble, he should have no problem delivering another big scoring performance in Game 6 on the road.
Josh Hart 12 PTS | 10 REB | 4 AST | 33.0 FPS
Hart is not looking to score most times but he’s recorded double-digit points for the second straight game. He continues to dominate on the boards, averaging 10 total rebounds in the series, including nearly 3 offensive rebounds. The only downside has been an uptick in turnovers, with 8 over the last two games.
OG Anunoby 11 PTS | 4 REB | 3 STL | 23.8 FPS
OG had a difficult time on offense, finishing with his lowest scoring output of the series and marking his sixth playoff game with 11 points or fewer. His perimeter shooting has become a problem, as he went 1-for-7 from three for the second consecutive game. However, he made up for it on the defensive end, recording his third game of the series—and seventh of the playoffs—with three steals.
Mitchell Robinson 6 PTS | 6 REB | 2 BLK | 21.2 FPS
Robinson hasn’t contributed much on offense, but he has consistently provided solid rebounding and defensive numbers throughout the series. He’s been a difference-maker since joining the starting lineup for the last three games. The Knicks also held the Pacers to under 100 points for the first time in the playoffs, and Robinson should continue to play a key role in their defense.
Indiana Pacers Top Performers:
Pascal Siakam 15 PTS | 6 REB | 3 STL | 36.7 FPS
Siakam cooled off today after a string of efficient scoring performances in the first four games of the series. However, he’s continued a pattern of alternating between subpar outings—scoring around 15 points for the third time—and explosive 30-point games. While he’s been inconsistent, he was able to compensate with a strong overall impact, delivering quality numbers in three other major categories. That said, the Pacers will need another big scoring performance from him in Game 6. It’s hard to see them winning if he doesn’t put up at least 20 points.
Benedict Mathurin 23 PTS | 9 REB | 2 3PM | 30.8 FPS
Mathurin has strung together back-to-back strong scoring performances, recording his second straight—and third overall—20-point game of the playoffs. He continues to play aggressively and has been rewarded, going 19-for-20 from the free-throw line over the last two games. The Pacers will need another performance like this from him to help secure a win in Game 6.
Tyrese Haliburton 8 PTS | 6 AST | 2 STL | 28.4 FPS
Haliburton had an explosive start in Game 5, recording 20 points and 10 assists in the first half. But in a complete turnaround today, he tallied just 4 points and was a non-factor on offense, finishing with 8 points on seven shot attempts. The Knicks did a fantastic job defensively—denying him the ball and playing more physical. On the bright side, Haliburton remained effective as a playmaker, recording 21 assists with 0 turnovers over the last two games. Expect the Pacers to make significant adjustments for Game 6. Back at home, Haliburton should be poised for a strong showing—he put up 26 points, 9 assists, and 6 stocks in his most recent closeout home game against the Bucks in the first round.
TJ McConnell 7 PTS | 5 REB | 5 AST | 20.5 FPS
McConnell provided a strong spark off the bench today. He was highly efficient earlier in the series and has scored in double figures in each of the first three games. However, he hasn’t been as productive lately, with lower scoring totals and an increase in turnovers over the last two games.
Obi Toppin 11 PTS | 4 REB | 3-3 FT | 14.8 FPS
Toppin took on a bigger role on offense with the team struggling. While his efficiency isn’t ideal, he still finished with his fourth double-digit scoring game in the playoffs. He should continue to play a solid role off the bench for Game 6.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Aaron Nesmith 3 PTS | 2 REB | 1 STL
Nesmith appeared on the injury report with an ankle injury sustained in Game 3. While he managed to play, he struggled badly on offense, shooting just 1-for-8 from the floor. His three-point shooting has been cold over the last three games, going 4-for-14 after a hot start to the series, where he shot 10-for-12. While he continues to play a huge role on defense, the team will need him to be more effective offensively to clinch the series in Game 6. However, his offense hasn’t been strong in home games in the playoffs, averaging just 12 points over seven outings.
