Knicks vs Pacers Player Ratings: Brunson helps Knicks force game 6 back in Indiana 

• New York took control early and led wire-to-wire, a rare feat in a series defined by swings and blown leads.
• The Knicks built a lead as large as 22, capitalizing on poor Pacers shooting and turnovers.
• They held Indiana to 40.5% shooting and forced 19 turnovers, completely disrupting their rhythm.

The Knicks delivered their most complete performance of the series when their season was on the line. As the Knicks pulled away late, “Knicks in 7!” chants thundered through Madison Square Garden, reflecting the fans’ belief that this isn’t just a temporary stay of elimination, it could be the start of history. This is the Knicks’ first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000, and the atmosphere on Thursday felt like a long-awaited playoff revival.

After being outplayed by Tyrese Haliburton in Game 4 wherein Brunson had a quieter night while Haliburton went off, he came back with a statement performance in Game 5. 

Brunson’s 21st 30+ point game in the playoffs is now a New York Knicks franchise record, surpassing all-time greats like Patrick Ewing, Bernard King, and Walt Frazier.
His ability to bounce back and lead decisively in an elimination game speaks volumes about his role not just as a scorer, but as the Knicks’ emotional and tactical leader.

Game 5 was a defensive masterpiece by the Knicks, and it marked a major disruption of the Pacers’ playoff identity, which had been built on fast pace, efficient offense, and fluid ball movement. First time all playoffs Indiana scored under 100 points, a major accomplishment, especially given Indiana came in averaging 113.8 PPG in the postseason. 19 forced turnovers the most Indiana has committed this postseason, killing their rhythm and feeding New York’s transition game.

The Knicks’ game plan clearly emphasized ball pressure and disrupting passing lanes, taking Indiana out of their usual flow. 

Meanwhile, Haliburton’s quiet night finished with just 8 points, 2-of-7 shooting, 6 assists, and little impact in the clutch, a drastic drop-off from his earlier performances in this series. He was neutralized by smart defensive rotations, aggressive on-ball pressure, and New York’s ability to switch without losing integrity on the perimeter. Without Haliburton setting the tone, Indiana’s offense stalled, and players like Siakam and Turner couldn’t compensate.

Indiana Pacers Player Ratings

Subs not used: Isaiah Jackson and James Johnson

New York Knicks Player Ratings

Subs not used: Pacome Dadiet, Tyler Kolek, Cameron Payne, P.J. Tucker

Player of the Game: Jalen Brunson

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