The New York Knicks managed to keep their NBA Title hopes alive by defeating the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Knicks still trail Indiana 3-2, but live to play another game as the series shifts back to Indianapolis for Game 6, where the Knicks will have to fend off elimination once again.
New York seemingly did everything right, particularly on the defensive end of the court. They held Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton to a combined 23 points on 7-of-20 shooting.
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The Pacers had chances to climb back into the game, cutting the Knicks’ lead to single digits twice. But every time it felt as though momentum was shifting, the Knicks would make a big shot or get a key turnover to keep things going their way.
Former NBA guard Jay Williams was particularly impressed with the Knicks and is feeling optimistic about their chances of coming back to win the series.
“That team that we saw last night, … is not only the reason why they have a chance to win this series, but that gives them a fighting shot against OKC,” Williams said. “I will still have OKC favored, but if that [Knicks] team shows up, that will give them their best odds to compete for a World Championship.”
While Williams may be putting the cart before the horse, the Knicks’ performance was impressive. They made Tyrese Haliburton incredibly uncomfortable, picking him up the length of the floor. While Haliburton didn’t have a turnover, the Knicks forced the rest of the Pacers into 20 of them.
If the Knicks can win Game 6 in Indianapolis, the odds would likely be in their favor for winning Game 7.
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