The New York Knicks extended their postseason hopes with a 111-94 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. The win cuts Indiana’s series lead to 3-2, forcing a Game 6 in Indianapolis.
Jalen Brunson led New York with 32 points, continuing his standout playoff run. Karl-Anthony Towns, playing through a knee injury, added 24 points and 13 rebounds. The Knicks never trailed after halftime and maintained a double-digit advantage throughout most of the second half.
New York’s defense held Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton to just eight points. Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin came off the bench to score 23, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
The Knicks forced 19 turnovers and outscored the Pacers 60-34 in the paint, capitalizing on their physical presence and transition opportunities.
Game 6 will be held Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where the Pacers will again look to close out the series and the Knicks will try to force a decisive Game 7.
