On Thursday, May 29 at 8:00 PM ET (TNT/MAX), the Knicks-0.html target=_blank class=infotextkey>New York Knicks face a pivotal Game 5 showdown against the Pacers-0.html target=_blank class=infotextkey>Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Trailing 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks must harness every ounce of resilience to keep their championship ambitions alive.

Series Overview & Key Dynamics

Indiana’s playoff run has defied expectations. After stunning the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the semifinals, the Pacers have carried this momentum into the conference finals. Tyrese Haliburton’s Clutch Performance in Game 1—culminating in a game-tying buzzer-beater followed by a 138-135 overtime victory—epitomizes their resilience. The 24-year-old All-Star continues to silence critics, averaging 28.6 points and 11.2 assists in the playoffs.

For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson remains their offensive cornerstone. Despite scoring 32 points in Game 4, his 11-of-27 shooting efficiency highlights challenges posed by Indiana’s tightening defense. Coach Tom Thibodeau must recalibrate strategies to counter the Pacers’ balanced attack, which features five players averaging double digits in scoring.

Game 5: Tactical Crossroads

Indiana’s Strengths

• Pascal Siakam’s post-trade playoff surge: 39 points (Game 3) and 27 points (Game 4)
• Domantas Sabonis’ dominance in the paint, especially with Mitchell Robinson’s injury

New York’s Challenges

• Inconsistent three-point shooting (33.8% in the series)
• Defensive struggles against Pacers’ versatile lineups

ESPN’s analytics favor the Pacers (51.8% chance to close the series), but Madison Square Garden’s energized crowd could sway momentum. The Knicks’ financial stakes are equally high: their playoff revenue this season already exceeds combined totals from three other conference finalists.

Key X-Factors

Mitchell Robinson’s Return

The center’s availability after a Game 4 ankle injury looms large. His presence could disrupt Indiana’s rhythm and neutralize Sabonis’ 28-point, 14-rebound performance in the last meeting.

Haliburton’s Clutch Mentality

Can the Pacers’ floor general maintain his playoff heroics? His late-game decision-making and scoring have been critical in overcoming doubters’ "overrated" critiques.

Historical Context

A Knicks comeback would mark one of the NBA’s most dramatic reversals since their last Finals appearance in 1999. The Pacers, seeking their first Finals trip since 2000, present a cohesive threat with Haliburton’s leadership and balanced scoring.

How to Watch

Broadcast Details

• TV: TNT (U.S.), TSN 1/4 (Canada)
• Live Stream: Sling, MAX, NBA League Pass
• Radio: SiriusXM

Final Takeaways

This is a high-stakes clash between survival instinct and momentum. Will New York’s heart and home-court advantage overcome Indiana’s playoff-tested composure? The answer could define both franchises’ legacies this season. Tune in to witness history in the making.

Keywords

Knicks, Pacers, NBA Playoffs, Eastern Conference Finals, Game 5, Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Brunson