Pacers Look ⁣to Bounce Back After Knicks Loss

Updated May 30, 2025
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NEW YORK—Despite a lackluster offensive performance in Thursday night’s 111-94 defeat to the New ⁤York Knicks, Indiana Pacers ‍guard Tyrese Haliburton ⁣urged calm. The Pacers, who are focusing on NBA playoff intensity and improving their overall team response, still hold a 3-2 series lead.

Haliburton acknowledged the ⁢need for better play heading into Game 6 in Indianapolis.The Pacers’⁣ starters⁣ struggled,combining for just 37 points,and⁢ the team⁤ committed 20 turnovers. This marked their first game ⁢this postseason failing to⁤ reach 100 points.

Coach Rick⁣ Carlisle noted the team’s insufficient “force” and ⁤”attitude”⁢ from the tipoff. ⁤Bennedict ⁢Mathurin led Indiana with 23 ⁣points off the bench,while⁣ Pascal ‍Siakam added 15. Obi Toppin was the only other Pacer to score in double⁣ figures with 11 points.

Haliburton, following a historic Game 4, was⁤ limited to eight points on 2-of-7 shooting. He vowed to elevate his play for Game⁢ 6, emphasizing the importance of improved pace and execution.

Aaron Nesmith stressed the ⁢importance of responding with greater intensity. He likened the loss ⁤to “getting punched in the face,” suggesting it could serve as a catalyst for betterment.

“We’re a resilient group,” ⁢Haliburton⁣ said.”We always want to respond when things don’t go well after a game like that. We understand what the stakes ⁢are. …⁢ We’re fine. ⁤There’s no ⁤need to panic or anything.”

Siakam ⁢echoed the sentiment, highlighting the⁢ team’s resilience and the opportunity to showcase their⁢ mettle back home. He acknowledged that ⁢tough losses are part of the NBA landscape.

“You’re going to have bad games,” Siakam said. “This is the NBA, and there’s going⁤ to be times where a team is going to play hard. In fact, they’re going to beat you.

“It is just all about us, man. It’s always been us against the world, and⁣ I don’t expect it to change. … We are 3-2 in a series, and we have an opportunity to go back home and show what⁤ we’re made of.”

What’s next

The Pacers, who haven’t lost consecutive games⁣ as March, aim to leverage their home-court ⁣advantage ⁤in Game ⁣6 to close out‍ the series against the Knicks.