Knicks Find Their Defensive Edge and Cut Series Deficit
Talk about a statement win—the New York Knicks showed up like a different team in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, punching back against the Indiana Pacers with a 111-94 victory that has everyone talking. With their season on the line, the Knicks found another gear, especially on the defensive end.
The numbers are hard to ignore. The Pacers, a squad known for racking up points, were held to just 96.9 points per 100 possessions. That’s not just a postseason low—it’s something the Pacers only did five times in the entire regular season. You could practically sense the tension on the Indiana bench as their offense sputtered in real time.
Attention to Detail Makes the Difference
Jalen Brunson didn’t mince words after the game. He said, 'The little things go a long way,' and that attitude flooded New York’s performance. The Knicks looked dialed in from the tip-off. They managed to keep Indiana’s fastbreaks in check, holding the Pacers to just 8.9% of their first-half possessions coming in transition. Only three games all year saw Indiana run less. That frustrated Indiana’s rhythm and forced them to play more halfcourt offense, an area where they looked visibly uncomfortable all night.
But the real eye-opener? The way the Knicks adjusted on defense, especially when it came to protecting Brunson. Earlier in the series, the Pacers made it their mission to hunt him down on switches and force tough matchups. On Tuesday night, that narrative flipped. Brunson’s on-court defensive rating plummeted to 85.5, far below what’s been typical in these playoffs. He’s not just scoring; he’s locking in on both ends now.
The Pacers’ offense reflected all that heat. They managed to hit just 33.3% from beyond the arc and could only muster six points from midrange—all signs they were never in sync. The Knicks continually closed out on shooters and challenged every shot, making Indiana’s usual go-to spots look anything but comfortable.
- Held Pacers to 96.9 points per 100 possessions
- Limited Indiana to just 8.9% transition plays in the first half
- Brunson’s defensive rating improved to 85.5 on-court
- Pacers shot just 33.3% on three-pointers
Sure, the Pacers still hold a 3-2 series lead, but the mood after this game was all Knicks. New York’s crowd sensed a momentum shift, especially as the Pacers struggled to adjust. That defensive intensity is exactly what the Knicks need if they want to do the improbable—win two in a row and steal the series. Next up? Game 6 in Indiana, with the pressure now squarely on the Pacers to respond.
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