Pacers Face Knicks in Must-Win Game 5 of Eastern Conference Finals

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The Indiana Pacers are poised to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000 with a win in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks tonight at Madison Square Garden. With a 3-1 lead in the series, the Pacers dominated the previous game, achieving a 130-121 victory on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Star player Tyrese Haliburton highlighted the Pacers’ Game 4 win with a remarkable triple-double, recording 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds, while not committing a single turnover. After the game, Haliburton was modest about his historic performance. “I didn’t know that,” he said with a laugh. “I feel like we’re making up stats at some point to make me look better.”

For Indiana, this series has been a chance to showcase their offensive firepower. Alongside Haliburton, Pascal Siakam has been a consistent contributor, scoring 30 points in Game 4 and averaging 26 points per game throughout the series. Forward Bennedict Mathurin also stepped up in Game 4, scoring 20 points in just 12 minutes of play, an essential boost for the Pacers, who have seen him struggle in previous games.

Meanwhile, the Knicks are facing elimination. After losing the previous matchup, their performance at home has been underwhelming during this postseason. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points in Game 4, but he saw a dip in shot attempts during crucial moments late in the game.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Knicks stated that star forward Karl-Anthony Towns, who has been dealing with a knee contusion, will be a game-time decision. The Knicks, with a home record of just 3-5 in the playoffs, will need to control the turnovers and improve their defensive efforts to keep their title hopes alive.

The Pacers look to capitalize on the momentum they have built, while the Knicks aim to harness the energy of their home crowd. Game 5 tips off at 8 p.m. ET, and it’s a crucial moment for both franchises.