The Eastern Conference Finals series is moving to Indianapolis for a crucial Game 6. The Indiana Pacers currently hold a 3-2 lead, putting them within one win of reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since the year 2000.
Standing in their way are the determined New York Knicks. After dropping two games at Madison Square Garden and one on the road, the Knicks managed to extend their chances for a series comeback by securing a victory in Game 5 in New York, their initial home win of this matchup.
Here is an analysis of the most significant elements to observe as we head into this pivotal Game 6. We`ll examine what the Pacers need to do to close out the series and the strategic adjustments required from the Knicks, including coach Tom Thibodeau`s choices, to force a deciding Game 7 back at MSG.
Series Overview: How We Reached Game 6
When the series commenced with the Pacers achieving a 17-point fourth-quarter comeback win in Game 1 at Madison Square Garden, it foreshadowed a likely outcome where the series would be tightly contested, potentially reaching this stage with Indiana leading 3-2 and vying for a Finals spot. For much of the series, the Pacers have dictated the flow of the game, consistently targeting the Knicks` defense, particularly Jalen Brunson, and benefiting from exceptional performances by Tyrese Haliburton, including an outstanding Game 4 with 32 points, 15 assists, and zero turnovers. However, Game 5 saw a reversal of fortunes, with New York leading from start to finish to keep the series alive.
Path to the Finals: How Indiana Can Win
Tyrese Haliburton needs to rebound from his last performance. After delivering one of the most impressive playoff games by a point guard in Game 4, Haliburton struggled in Game 5. The Pacers` success is heavily dependent on Haliburton`s play. This correlation has been evident throughout the season—they are 30-3 (regular season and playoffs combined) when he scores over 20 points—and is particularly crucial in the postseason. In their 11 playoff wins, he averages 21.3 points on 47.7% shooting, compared to just 11.5 points on 39% in their four losses. In Game 5, he scored only eight points. While his scoring doesn`t always capture his full impact as his passing facilitates the offense, Haliburton acknowledged the need for increased aggression in Game 6 and promised improvement. “I`ve got to be better,” Haliburton stated after Game 5. “And I will be better in Game 6.”
Key Players to Watch in Game 6
For the Pacers, Aaron Nesmith is a significant variable. He shot just 1-for-8 and played only 16 minutes in Game 5, later admitting his ankle was not 100 percent. Yet, he is a vital contributor on both ends: as a floor spacer offensively (shooting 50% from three in the playoffs) and arguably the team`s best option for defending Jalen Brunson. Indiana hopes he can be healthier and play more minutes in Game 6. For the Knicks, Brunson`s defensive effort is a crucial factor. Indiana has targeted him consistently throughout the series, particularly exploiting him effectively in Game 4 where plays involving him defending ball screens resulted in a high 1.53 points per possession. In contrast, Game 5 saw the Pacers having less success targeting Brunson directly, yielding only 0.83 points per direct pick. Game 5 was Brunson`s first defensively positive game of the series, and New York hopes he can replicate that defensive intensity alongside his usual offensive excellence in Game 6.
Coach`s Corner: Thibodeau`s Key Decision
Tom Thibodeau`s most critical factor is his flexibility with the rotation. Although it`s not his typical reputation, this adaptability has been a crucial advantage for him and the Knicks in this series. One reason New York was able to force Game 6 was effectively navigating foul trouble in Game 5`s second half. When a key player (referencing a big man who got fouls, like a center) picked up his fourth foul, Thibodeau quickly substituted in Mitchell Robinson. The Pacers then intentionally fouled Robinson due to his poor free-throw shooting, which momentarily shrunk New York`s earlier 20-point lead to 10. However, Thibodeau then brought in Precious Achiuwa, a less frequently used player, which sparked a 12-0 run for the Knicks, extending the lead back to 22. Thibodeau has also successfully utilized other reserves throughout the series, such as Delon Wright and Landry Shamet, who provide solid defense against Indiana`s dynamic offense.
The Prospect of a Game 7 at MSG
Electric. Last year, these two teams engaged in an exciting seven-game series, but the decisive Game 7 at Madison Square Garden was affected early by extensive Knicks injuries, turning the final quarters into largely a formality. If the Knicks manage to push this series to a Game 7 back in New York—a significant challenge given Indiana`s performance advantages throughout much of the series—the atmosphere at the World`s Most Famous Arena would be unparalleled in intensity and excitement. While it`s thrilling to contemplate, the Knicks still face a considerable task to make that scenario a reality.