The New York Knicks delivered a critical win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs, powered by a standout performance from star guard Jalen Brunson. As the undisputed leader of the team, Brunson once again stepped up under pressure, guiding New York to a 111–94 victory at Madison Square Garden.
The series now stands at 3–2, with the Knicks clinging to their postseason hopes and aiming to complete an epic comeback that would send them to their first NBA Finals appearance in decades. With the season on the line, Brunson rose to the occasion in every way.
Brunson finished with 32 points, five assists, and five rebounds while shooting an efficient 12-of-18 from the field and 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. The All-Star guard came out aggressive, scoring 14 of his points in the first quarter alone, setting the tone for a dominant night. Once again, Brunson proved why he is not only the team’s floor general but also a player with the potential to become a franchise legend.
The Knicks’ defense also answered the call, particularly in limiting Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who had erupted in Game 4. In Game 5, New York held Haliburton to just eight points — one of his worst postseason performances — while forcing Indiana into 20 turnovers. The improved intensity on both ends of the court was a decisive factor.
Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles against the Indiana Pacers during the Eastern Conference Finals.
Josh Hart spoke candidly about Brunson’s role and what the team needs from him moving forward. “We don’t need him to be a lockdown defender or anything like that,” Hart said. “We just need him to go out there and play physical, with intensity, and not foul. It’s really just a competitive thing, an ego thing of like, ‘OK, I’m going to guard my yard.’ It’s having pride. I think he did that [tonight]. And we need him to do it in Indiana.”
see also
Knicks rank 4th in NBA payroll at $193.5M: How do the Indiana Pacers compare?
Setting the tone early has been a recurring issue for the Knicks in this series, but Brunson changed that narrative on Thursday. His hot start energized the team and the crowd, helping New York control the game from the outset. They’ll need more of the same energy and execution in Saturday’s Game 6 in Indianapolis.
Brunson also expressed pride in the team’s response after back-to-back losses. “I’m just happy with the way we responded, honestly,” he told ESPN. “We came out and had some energy to the way we played. I’m very proud of what we did, and we have to try to replicate it in the first quarter of the next game.”
With their season still hanging in the balance, the Knicks will rely once again on Brunson to lead the charge — and possibly deliver another signature performance that extends New York’s improbable NBA postseason run.
