Brunson, Knicks look to set the tone vs. Pacers
The New York Knicks are back in the Eastern Conference Finals, and they didn’t just sneak in—they kicked the door down. After dispatching the Celtics with a wire-to-wire beatdown in Game Six, New York rolls into tonight’s opener at Madison Square Garden with momentum, muscle, and maniacal crowd support.
From the outset, their chances seem pretty good. The Knicks won the regular season series against the Pacers 2–1. They dominated the first matchup with a 123–98 blowout, fell in the second game 132–121 after giving up 40 points in the fourth quarter, and bounced back to take the third game decisively. New York’s average margin of victory in their two wins was 19 points.
https://youtu.be/o4y2mChl-T8?si=wSCLdSmR7mYy6Jd7
Jalen Brunson, the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year, has been the most reliable bucket-getter left in the playoffs. He’s averaging nearly 29 points and over seven assists per game and has eclipsed 30 points six times so far this postseason. Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart all stepped up in the Boston series, and the Knicks received timely bench support from Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride.
Despite being voted Most Overrated by his peers, Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton had a strong 2024–25 season, further solidifying himself as one of the NBA’s premier playmakers. He averaged around 19 points and nine assists per game, led the league in assists for much of the year, and was the engine behind Indiana’s top-ranked offense. Haliburton earned his second All-Star nod and continued to evolve as a pick-and-roll maestro, pushing the tempo and spreading the floor with elite vision.
Andrew Nembhard has emerged as a key two-way contributor for the Pacers this season, stepping up, especially in the playoffs. Known for his poise and defense, he takes tough assignments while also hitting timely shots. His shooting fell to 29% from three this season, but he can run the offense in stretches, particularly when Haliburton rests. Expect him to guard Captain Clutch through this series.
Aaron Nesmith has carved out a key role for the Pacers as a versatile wing defender and energy guy who can knock down open shots—this season, he shot 43% from deep on about four attempts per game. This season, he further distinguished himself on the defensive end, often guarding the opposing team’s best scorer. His athleticism and hustle make him a disruptive presence on both ends.
Pascal Siakam averaged 20 points, seven rebounds, and about three assists in 78 games this season. He and OG Anunoby are well-acquainted, having played together in Toronto, so they should be very familiar with each other’s tendencies. Siakam brings championship experience, scoring versatility, and leadership to a young roster. He gives Indiana a physical, playoff-tested presence who can create his own shot and defend multiple positions.
Center Myles Turner averaged about 16 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks this season while shooting 40% from deep on about five attempts per game. He’s a rim protector who can space the floor—but he can also space out at times. Still, Turner’s rim protection and ability to switch onto smaller players have been crucial in a system that often relies on pace and space. It will be fun to watch him bump in the paint with Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson.
Prediction
ESPN.com likes New York to win at 53%. It could be that close. Indiana’s offense is fast and fluid, but New York showed discipline and grit through their rounds against Detroit and Boston. Expect Game One to be fiery, physical, and close—with the Knicks to be the ones pulling it out down the stretch. New York by +3 in a thriller.
Game Details
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, NYC
TV Broadcast: TNT
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky