By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Facing elimination in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks led from start to finish, mostly in a safe distance, en route to a 111-94 victory versus the Indiana Pacers in Madison Square Garden.
Jalen Brunson paved the way with a game-high 32 points on Thursday. Dealing with a bruised left knee, Karl-Anthony Towns put in a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double.
With his side cutting the deficit in a best-of-seven series of the 2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Google to 3-2, British OG Anunoby lasted nearly 34 minutes, but was limited to 1/7 three-pointers and 2/7 two-pointers. The 27-year-old winger ended up with 11 points, four rebounds, and three steals.
Playing 40 seconds in the fourth quarter, German Ariel Hukporti scored two points. In contrast, French Pacome Dadiet was not checked in by head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Returning to Gainbridge Fieldhouse and looking to bounce back in Game 6, the Pacers will have another opportunity to clinch a berth in the NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV on Saturday.
Game 7, if necessary, will be held on Monday.
Game 1 of the Finals is scheduled for next Thursday.
2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Google
Conference Quarterfinals (best of seven)
East
Cleveland Cavaliers – Miami Heat 4-0 (121-100, 121-112, 124-87, 138-83)
Boston Celtics – Orlando Magic 4-1 (103-86, 109-100, 93-95, 107-98, 120-89)
New York Knicks – Detroit Pistons 4-2 (123-112, 94-100, 118-116, 94-93, 103-106, 116-113)
Indiana Pacers – Milwaukee Bucks 4-1 (117-98, 123-115, 101-117, 129-103, 119-118)
West
Oklahoma City Thunder – Memphis Grizzlies 4-0 (131-80, 118-99, 114-108, 117-115)
Houston Rockets – Golden State Warriors 3-4 (85-95, 109-94, 93-104, 106-109, 131-116, 115-107, 89-103)
Los Angeles Lakers – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-4 (95-117, 94-85, 104-116, 113-116, 96-103)
Denver Nuggets – Los Angeles Clippers 4-3 (112-110, 102-105, 83-117, 101-99, 131-115, 105-111, 120-101)
Conference Semifinals (best of seven)
East
Cleveland Cavaliers – Indiana Pacers 1-4 (112-121, 119-120, 126-104, 109-129, 105-114)
Boston Celtics – New York Knicks 2-4 (105-108, 90-91, 115-93, 113-121, 127-102, 81-119)
West
Oklahoma City Thunder – Denver Nuggets 4-3 (119-121, 149-106, 104-113, 92-87, 112-105, 107-119, 125-93)
Minnesota Timberwolves – Golden State Warriors 4-1 (88-99, 117-93, 102-97, 117-110, 121-110)
Conference Finals (best of seven)
East
New York Knicks – Indiana Pacers 2-3 (135-138, 109-114, 106-100, 121-130, 111-94)
West
Oklahoma City Thunder – Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 (114-88, 118-103, 101-143, 128-126, 124-94)
NBA Finals (best of seven)
Oklahoma City Thunder – New York Knicks / Indiana Pacers