-
SURVIVAL MODE: Knicks Take Down Pacers to Stay in Finals Race
The New York Knicks refused to let their playoff journey end just yet. In a high-stakes matchup, the Knicks dug deep and delivered a determined performance to defeat the Indiana Pacers, keeping their NBA Finals hopes alive and thrilling their fans in the process.
Playing at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks brought energy, urgency, and focus from the opening tip. Led by a commanding performance from their star forward Jalen Brunson, New York held off a persistent Pacers team that never backed down. Brunson dropped 32 points and added 7 assists, guiding the offense with poise and precision in a must-win scenario.
The game was tightly contested through all four quarters, with the Pacers threatening to steal momentum several times. Tyrese Haliburton kept Indiana in the fight with his crafty shot-making and playmaking, finishing with 24 points and 9 assists. But every time the Pacers made a run, the Knicks responded with grit and hustle.
Defensively, New York clamped down in the final minutes. Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein patrolled the paint, denying easy buckets and crashing the boards. Their interior presence forced Indiana into tough outside shots in the closing stretch. Meanwhile, Josh Hart’s tireless effort on both ends of the court helped New York maintain their edge.
Off the bench, Donte DiVincenzo provided a crucial spark with timely three-pointers and aggressive defense. His 14 points and relentless energy helped swing momentum in the Knicks’ favor midway through the second half.
The win not only extends the Knicks’ playoff run but also reignites belief among the team’s fanbase. After dropping two straight games earlier in the series, questions swirled about whether New York had enough left in the tank. Friday night’s victory was a clear statement — this team isn’t ready to bow out.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau praised his team’s resilience. “This group fights,” Thibodeau said postgame. “They respond when their backs are against the wall. That’s what playoff basketball is all about.”
With the series tightening, the Knicks now shift focus to the next crucial game in Indiana. Momentum is back on their side, but they’ll need another strong performance to push the Pacers to the brink.
New York fans have seen their fair share of heartbreak, but this postseason has reignited hope in the city. With one more win, the Knicks could find themselves within striking distance of an NBA Finals appearance — a feat the franchise hasn’t achieved since 1999.
The Knicks’ season lives on, and as long as it does, their dream remains alive.