Knicks Seize Momentum: Brunson’s 32 Points Power Win Over Pacers to Force Game 6
Jalen Brunson Ignites Knicks’ Do-or-Die Surge
The New York Knicks sent a jolt through Madison Square Garden, staying alive in the Eastern Conference Finals after shutting down the Indiana Pacers 111-94 in Game 5. Center stage was Jalen Brunson, who answered the moment with his best game of the postseason — exploding for 32 points, driving the paint, and making clutch baskets when the pressure was highest. He looked unfazed by double teams and tough defense, finding holes in Indiana’s scheme all night.
Brunson wasn’t just scoring; he ran the offense with poise, directing traffic as the Pacers tried everything to slow him down. Every time Indiana trimmed the lead and the crowd buzzed with nerves, Brunson responded — pulling up for deep jumpers, creating shots off the dribble, and seeking contact to get to the line. He’s quietly been the go-to for New York, but Game 5 was a different level. The Knicks fed off his confidence — they never trailed after an early third-quarter hiccup, and by the end, they looked nothing like a team facing elimination.
Knicks Find Strength in Team Effort as Pacers Falter
Defense did just as much heavy lifting for New York. Josh Hart chipped in on both ends, hustling to loose balls, grabbing five rebounds, and knocking down timely threes. Miles McBride and Isaiah Hartenstein gave the Knicks a spark off the bench, picking up the slack with hustle plays and big stops. The passing game was sharp, too: the Knicks racked up 25 assists on 40 made baskets, keeping the ball moving and making Indiana chase all night.
Across the court, the Pacers started slow, with Tyrese Haliburton blanked on his first three shots and struggling to find rhythm until late in the game. He still managed to score 19, but looked rushed against New York’s stifling defense. Myles Turner did what he could — 17 points, aggressive in the post — but three crucial fouls left Indiana scrambling to keep up. Whenever they looked ready to threaten, someone in orange and blue stepped up to slam the door shut.
This was the first time all playoffs Indiana looked rattled. They made a push in the third and grabbed a slim lead, only to watch New York retake control with a 13-2 run that left the Pacers playing catch-up. Coach Rick Carlisle tried mixing lineups, but the energy wasn’t quite there. The Knicks, with their backs to the wall, looked fresher down the stretch and simply wanted it more.
The series now shifts back to Indiana, where everything is on the line. For the Pacers, this is their first elimination test of the postseason, and with the way New York’s confidence just spiked, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll claim the Eastern crown. The only certainty — Game 6 is about to get wild.