Pacers Stumble in Game 5 as Knicks Clamp Down
The Indiana Pacers came into Madison Square Garden with a shot at history—a win in Game 5 would have taken them to just their second NBA Finals ever, something they hadn't achieved since the days of Reggie Miller in 2000. But New York had other plans. The Knicks’ defense set the tone early, crowding Tyrese Haliburton whenever he touched the ball and throwing double teams at Pascal Siakam. Suddenly, plays the Pacers had executed all playoffs long started falling apart under pressure.
Fans could see the frustration on Haliburton’s face. The Knicks forced him into tough spots, limiting his assists and making it nearly impossible for Indiana to get into their usual flow. Siakam, who had been averaging strong numbers in previous rounds, found himself hemmed in on every drive. The Pacers tried to adjust, but the Knicks weren’t giving up an inch.
Jalen Brunson took over for New York, drilling shots early and often. He got the Madison Square Garden crowd roaring, washing away some of the anxiety about the Pacers’ high-powered offense. Brunson’s confidence spread, and the rest of the Knicks followed. Every Indiana mini-run was met with a quick Knicks response—steals, timely three-pointers, and energy plays that got the home fans to their feet. The Pacers, hoping to close out the series, instead were forced to regroup as the Knicks took Game 5 and kept their season alive.
Game 6 Turnaround: Pacers Bounce Back in Style
Talk about a shift in momentum. After the Game 5 loss, people started to wonder if Indiana had lost its edge. In Game 6, though, the Pacers answered in the loudest way possible. They came out firing in front of their own fans. Haliburton looked much more comfortable, finding his rhythm and slicing through New York’s defense for clean looks and easy assists. Siakam rediscovered his groove, using his versatility to score in the paint and out on the fast break.
This time, Indiana’s role players stepped up, too. The bench poured in points, stretching the Knicks’ defense until it broke. The energy never dropped—every rebound, every loose ball seemed to end up in a Pacers jersey. The final score—125-108—wasn’t just a win, it was a statement. Nobody on the Pacers wanted to see their Finals dreams dashed two games in a row.
- Tyrese Haliburton led with decisive playmaking, making life much easier for his teammates.
- Pascal Siakam’s renewed aggression created space for shooters and slashing guards.
- Indiana’s defense, overlooked by some, clamped down and forced key turnovers.
By the time the buzzer sounded in Game 6, the Pacers had not only survived a scare but reminded everyone why they belong on the biggest stage. Next up, they’ll face the Oklahoma City Thunder on the hunt for their first NBA championship. But fans will look back at this series and remember how Indiana dug deep, regrouped after a tough loss, and found their way to the NBA Finals.