The 2025 NBA Playoffs continue this weekend with the New York Knicks pushing the Eastern Conference Finals to Game 6 after a decisive win over the Indiana Pacers.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their spot in the NBA Finals and await their opponent.
Updated 2025 NBA Playoff Bracket
The Oklahoma City Thunder have advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, eliminating the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. The New York Knicks trail the Indiana Pacers 3–2 in the Eastern Conference Finals, with Game 6 scheduled for Saturday, May 31, in Indianapolis.
Thursday, May 29 – Game 5 Recap
New York Knicks 111, Indiana Pacers 94
Pacers lead Eastern Conference Finals series 3–2
Facing elimination, the Knicks delivered their most complete performance of the series. The defense clamped down early, and the offense, led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, finally found its rhythm.
Brunson was efficient and decisive, scoring 32 points on 12-of-18 shooting while also orchestrating the offense with poise. Towns added a crucial 24 points and pulled down 13 rebounds, finally asserting himself on both ends of the floor. The real difference, however, came on the defensive end. Mikal Bridges played perhaps his best game of the postseason, holding Tyrese Haliburton to just 8 points on 2-of-7 shooting.
The Knicks also dominated the boards, out-rebounding Indiana 45-40 and outscoring them in the paint 60–34. Josh Hart added 12 points and 10 rebounds and played the entire second half. Off the bench, Miles McBride and Landry Shamet gave quality minutes, helping keep Indiana from generating any momentum.
New York forced 20 Indiana turnovers, a reversal of their Game 4 breakdown. The Knicks were more physical, more focused, and better prepared. Their defense tightened when it mattered most, and their star players finally rose to the occasion together.
The challenge now is consistency. New York hasn’t won back-to-back games in this series. But with the series shifting back to Indiana, they’ve at least earned the right to try.
Next Game: Saturday, May 31 — 8:30 PM Eastern, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
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