Knicks Dominate Pacers to Take Series Lead
First-Quarter Surge Sets the Tone Early
The New York Knicks came out with urgency in Game 5, determined to bounce back after a poor performance in Indiana. Jalen Brunson set the pace from the start, scoring 18 points in the first quarter alone. With crisp ball movement and high-energy defense, the Knicks ended the quarter up 38–32, shooting a sizzling 64%.
Brunson and Towns Lead the Offensive Charge
Brunson didn’t let up, finishing with 44 points and seven assists, marking his fifth 40-point game this postseason. He was supported by Isaiah Hartenstein, who played with relentless energy, grabbing 17 rebounds—12 of them offensive—and anchoring the paint on both ends.
Karl-Anthony Towns stepped up for the Timberwolves in their own Game 5 against the Nuggets, scoring 20 of his 29 points in the first half. Anthony Edwards added 27, helping the Timberwolves secure a crucial win to force Game 6 back in Minnesota.
Knicks’ Bench Rotation Makes Key Contributions
While the starters led the way, Coach Tom Thibodeau’s adjustments to the rotation also paid off. Alec Burks, previously absent from the series, came off the bench to add 18 points. His timely scoring helped stretch the lead in the second half. Precious Achiuwa and Miles McBride also made valuable contributions, helping to maintain the Knicks’ intensity on both ends.
Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart added 17 and 18 points respectively, while Hart secured 11 rebounds. OG Anunoby remained sidelined, but the team’s collective effort filled the void.
Pacers Struggle to Match Knicks’ Energy
The Pacers, despite playing strong at home, were overwhelmed at Madison Square Garden. Pascal Siakam had 22 points and eight rebounds, and Myles Turner added 16 points. Tyrese Haliburton struggled, scoring only 13 points and committing three turnovers. Indiana committed 18 total turnovers, many leading to Knicks fast-break points.
“We weren’t ready for their level of force, urgency, and aggression,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle admitted. “They got us back on our heels and never let up.”
Knicks Control the Game Throughout
By halftime, the Knicks were up 15, and they extended that lead to 19 by the end of the third quarter. The Garden crowd roared with every hustle play and big bucket. The Pacers couldn’t find a response, and the Knicks cruised to a 121–91 victory.
The win gave New York a 3–2 series lead, putting them one win away from their first Eastern Conference finals appearance since 2000. The Pacers will now need to regroup for Game 6 at home.
Looking Ahead to Game 6
Game 6 is set for Friday night in Indianapolis. The Knicks will look to close out the series, while the Pacers aim to force a Game 7 back in New York. The momentum has swung back in favor of the Knicks, but the battle isn’t over yet.
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