NBA Playoffs: Knicks Pacers Game 5 recap with key takeaways

The New York Knicks took a 3-2 series lead on Tuesday night, soundly defeating the Indiana Pacers at home by a final score of 121-91. Before the series shifts back to Indianapolis on Friday night, we’ll take a look back at pivotal moments from Game 5, and what conclusions we can draw moving forward.

Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson looked battered, beaten and hobbled in Games 3 and 4 in Indiana. Yahoo Sports wrote that he lacked burst, lift, balance and comfort in those contests. However, he was masterful in Game 5, scoring 44 points on 18-35 shooting.

New York was run out of the building in Game 4, which compelled head coach Tom Thibodeau to pull his starters early. Brunson only played 30 minutes in that affair, which may have given him a head start in his recovery for Game 5.

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On the other hand, Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton didn’t look for his own offense in Game 5. He only took nine shots during the tilt, which was a far cry from the aggressive mentality he showed previously. In Games 2-4, he took 19, 26 and 15 shots, respectively. Uproxx’s website noted that Draymond Green challenged Haliburton to deliver a better showing in Game 6.

Aaron Nesmith has been the Pacers’ most effective defender against Jalen Brunson during the series, as the New York Times has pointed out. However, the swingman picked up three fouls in the first half. This forced Nesmith to sit, and Brunson took full advantage. The Knicks stormed out to a solid halftime lead, which they never relinquished.

Tom Thibodeau made a slight change to his starting lineup for Game 5, inserting Miles McBride for Precious Achiuwa. It was an interesting decision, which seemed to indicate that Thibodeau was comfortable allowing a smaller defender to guard Pascal Siakam. Deuce, as he’s known, played well as a starter, helping to bring the ball up the floor against Indiana’s pressure defense.

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The Pacers could have rolled over after going down 15 at halftime, but Myles Turner wouldn’t let them. Indiana’s center hit three three-pointers early in the third quarter to give them a glimmer of hope. As YardBarker pointed out, he also made a miraculous shot from deep in the first frame.

After getting demolished in Game 4, the Knicks had to show some fight in Game 5. Guard Donte DiVincenzo found himself chatting and skirmishing with Indiana’s T.J. McConnell and Myles Turner throughout the course of the game. DiVincenzo told the New York Post, “they’re trying to be tough guys, but that’s not their identity.”

The Knicks’ depth has been decimated throughout the course of the playoffs, so they’ve had to call on reserves to help contribute. Alec Burks has continued to play well for New York, scoring 18 points in Game 5 with five three-pointers. He will continue to be an important player as the series goes on.

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WISH-TV’s website wrote about the raucous atmosphere that awaited the Pacers ahead of Game 5, and that was an accurate description of the environment in the arena. Indiana looked a lot more flustered on the road, which portends trouble if and when the series comes back to New York for a Game 7.