If the Pacers don’t win tonight, they are not the team I thought they were. I've beat the drum about their resilience and ability to perform their best when the pressure is on. After a disheartening performance in Game 5, that's exactly what I expect to see tonight.
The Indiana Pacers return home with a 3-2 series lead over the New York Knicks and a win tonight would secure their first NBA Finals appearance in a quarter century. The stakes, combined with the prospect of having to win a Game 7 at Madison Square Garden, should be all the pressure the Pacers need to play their best.
Game 5 Recap
The Knicks extended the series with a commanding 111-94 victory at home. Jalen Brunson led New York with 32 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 24 points and 13 rebounds.
The Knicks' defense stifled Indiana, limiting Tyrese Haliburton to just 8 points and 6 assists. Pascal Siakam managed 15 points, but the Pacers committed 19 turnovers and missed a seemingly endless amount of good looks.
Bennedict Mathurin provided a spark off the bench with 23 points (as did Jarace Walker to a lesser extent), but it wasn't enough to counter the stinker put up by the rest of the team.
Injuries
Aaron Nesmith played limited minutes in Game 5 but is available tonight. Tony Bradley is a game-time decision.
Aaron Nesmith (right ankle sprain) is available for Game 5, per Coach Carlisle.
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 29, 2025
Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley is receiving treatment on his injured hip and will be a game-time decision for Game 6 against the New York Knicks, league sources told @hoopshype.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 31, 2025
How to Watch
Tipoff is at 8:00 PM ET.
TV: TNT, MAX
Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan
See ya in the comments!
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