Knicks vs Pacers: Breaking Down the Last 3 High-Stakes Showdowns (2025 Playoffs Edition)
The New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers have reignited an Eastern Conference rivalry for the ages in the 2025 NBA playoffs. Their battles have featured clutch shots, defensive grit, and momentum swings that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Below, we break down the scoring history and key moments from their three most recent postseason clashes – including the critical Game 5 showdown just days ago.
Game 5: Eastern Conference Finals - May 31, 2025
-Madison Square Garden, New York
-Final Score: Knicks 112, Pacers 108
In a nail-biter that swung the series, the Knicks held off a furious Pacers rally to take a pivotal 3-2 series lead. Jalen Brunson exploded for 38 points, including 12 in the final 4 minutes, while Josh Hart sealed the game with a chase-down block on Tyrese Haliburton with 8 seconds left.
Knicks Scoring Leaders:
- Jalen Brunson: 38 PTS, 7 AST
- Julius Randle: 24 PTS, 10 REB
- Donte DiVincenzo: 17 PTS (5/8 3PT)
Pacers Scoring Leaders:
- Tyrese Haliburton: 29 PTS, 11 AST
- Pascal Siakam: 25 PTS, 9 REB
- Myles Turner: 18 PTS, 4 BLK
Turning Point: With the Pacers down 108-107, Haliburton’s potential go-ahead three rimmed out with 22 seconds left. Brunson sank two free throws on the ensuing possession.
Game 4: Eastern Conference Finals - May 28, 2025
-Madison Square Garden, New York
-Final Score: Pacers 121, Knicks 114
Indiana silenced the Garden with a dominant second-half performance, outscoring New York 68-52 after halftime. The Pacers’ bench mob – led by T.J. McConnell’s energy – forced 7 third-quarter turnovers that fueled a 20-4 run.
Pacers Scoring Leaders:
- Pascal Siakam: 31 PTS, 12 REB
- Tyrese Haliburton: 22 PTS, 14 AST
- Andrew Nembhard: 19 PTS (5/7 3PT)
Knicks Scoring Leaders:
- Jalen Brunson: 34 PTS, 6 AST
- OG Anunoby: 21 PTS, 4 STL
- Isaiah Hartenstein: 14 PTS, 16 REB
Key Stat: Indiana shot 58% from deep (15/26), their best playoff performance beyond the arc since 2019.
Game 3: Eastern Conference Finals - May 26, 2025
-Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
-Final Score: Knicks 103, Pacers 98
In a defensive slugfest, the Knicks stole home-court advantage back with a gritty road win. Julius Randle’s physicality inside (12 free-throw attempts) offset a cold shooting night for both teams.
Knicks Scoring Leaders:
- Julius Randle: 28 PTS, 14 REB
- Jalen Brunson: 25 PTS, 5 REB
- Miles McBride: 16 PTS (4/6 3PT)
Pacers Scoring Leaders:
- Tyrese Haliburton: 24 PTS, 8 AST
- Myles Turner: 20 PTS, 3 BLK
- Aaron Nesmith: 14 PTS, 8 REB
Defensive Highlight: OG Anunoby held Pacers All-Star Pascal Siakam to 4/18 shooting and 11 points.
What’s Next?
With the Knicks leading 3-2, the series shifts back to Indiana for Game 6 on June 2. Can the Pacers force a Game 7, or will New York close it out on the road? One thing is certain: every possession will be a war.
Source:
Official play-by-play data and box scores sourced directly from the [NBA’s Official Statistics Database](https://www.nba.com/stats/). Game recaps cross-referenced with ESPN and Associated Press reports (May 26–31, 2025).
Why This Rivalry Captivates:
This isn’t just basketball—it’s a chess match. Tom Thibodeau’s physical Knicks versus Rick Carlisle’s pace-and-space Pacers creates a stylistic clash that’s pure theater. Brunson’s shot-making vs. Haliburton’s playmaking. Randle’s power vs. Siakam’s versatility. With both teams fighting for their first Finals trip in decades, every game writes a new chapter in an instant-classic series.
Stay tuned for Game 6 – history hangs in the balance. 🏀🔥
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