The New York Knicks have managed to extend their playoff run, securing a vital 111-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday. This win prevents elimination and keeps their postseason hopes alive.
New York led throughout the entire game, a dominant performance that pushes the series to a sixth game scheduled for Saturday. Indiana currently holds a 3-2 advantage. This defeat for the Pacers ended their impressive streak of four straight playoff wins when they had a chance to clinch a series, a franchise record. For the Knicks, they are now looking to win multiple elimination games within a single postseason for the first time since the year 2000.
Jalen Brunson was the top scorer for the Knicks, finishing with 32 points. Karl-Anthony Towns provided significant support with a double-double of 24 points and 13 rebounds. Brunson and Towns have made history as only the second duo in the league to each score 20 or more points in each of the first five games of a Conference Finals series. Brunson also contributed five assists, becoming just the third player ever to achieve at least 30 points and five assists in 10 games within a single postseason before the NBA Finals.
Conversely, the Indiana Pacers` offense struggled significantly in Game 5. Only one starter, Pascal Siakam, reached double-digit scoring with 15 points. Tyrese Haliburton had a particularly tough outing, scoring only eight points on 2-of-7 shooting. The Pacers` starting five combined for a mere 37 points, marking the second-lowest total by any team`s starters in a game during this postseason.
The Knicks` commanding performance sets the stage for a pivotal Game 6 as they aim to force a decisive Game 7.
