Pacers vs Knicks: Pacers Lead 3-1 in Eastern Conference Finals
- INDIANAPOLIS -- Tyrese Haliburton delivered a performance for the ages Tuesday night, racking up 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds without a single turnover as the Indiana...
- Playing in front of his father, John, who returned to Gainbridge Fieldhouse after a brief absence, Haliburton spearheaded an Indiana attack that proved too much for New York...
- Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points, followed by Karl-Anthony Towns with 24 points and 12 rebounds, and OG Anunoby with 22 points.
Tyrese Haliburton‘s historic triple-double propelled the Indiana Pacers to a commanding 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals, crushing the new York Knicks 130-121. Haliburton’s all-around brilliance, including 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds, put the Pacers within one victory of their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. Pascal Siakam added 30 points, while Obi Toppin sealed the win with a late 3-pointer. The Knicks, despite Jalen brunson’s 31 points, couldn’t overcome another double-digit deficit. This dominant performance showcases Haliburton’s crucial role and the Pacers’ momentum.Read more on this game-changing NBA playoff matchup via News Directory 3. What strategic adjustments will the Knicks make? Discover what’s next.
Haliburton’s Historic Performance Leads Pacers to 3-1 Series Lead
Updated May 28, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS — Tyrese Haliburton delivered a performance for the ages Tuesday night, racking up 32 points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds without a single turnover as the Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 130-121. The Pacers now hold a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals, putting them within striking distance of their first NBA Finals berth since 2000. This dominant role in the Pacers’ playoff run highlights Haliburton’s importance to the team.
Playing in front of his father, John, who returned to Gainbridge Fieldhouse after a brief absence, Haliburton spearheaded an Indiana attack that proved too much for New York to handle. Pascal Siakam contributed 30 points, while Haliburton also managed four steals. Obi Toppin’s late 3-pointer sealed the victory.The Pacers have not suffered consecutive losses since March 10.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points, followed by Karl-Anthony Towns with 24 points and 12 rebounds, and OG Anunoby with 22 points. Despite their efforts, the Knicks were unable to overcome another double-digit deficit. The home team won for the first time in this series.
The game drew a star-studded crowd, including former Pacers players such as Jermaine O’Neal and Lance Stephenson, along with WWE Hall of Famer Triple H, rappers Rob 49 and 50 Cent, and singers John Mellencamp and Jelly Roll. Film director Spike Lee and actors Timothee Chalamet and Ben Stiller represented the Knicks’ fan base.
John Haliburton had previously been barred from attending Pacers games after an on-court incident following his son’s game-winning shot against Milwaukee.He watched Game 4 from a suite.
“I’m glad Pop’s in the building. It makes it that much more sweet,” Tyrese Haliburton said after the game.
The game itself was a high-scoring affair, with both teams shooting at a blistering 70% clip early in the first quarter. Indiana jumped out to a 43-35 lead, but New York battled back to briefly regain the advantage.Haliburton helped Indiana close the first half on a 6-0 run, giving them a 69-64 lead at the break. the pacers then opened the second half with a 9-2 run and extended their lead to 102-91 by the end of the third quarter. Siakam’s five consecutive points early in the fourth gave Indiana a 111-96 lead.
The Knicks narrowed the gap to six points on multiple occasions in the final minutes, but Towns’ late-game knee injury hampered their comeback efforts. The Pacers’ offensive role players stepped up, securing the win.
What’s next
Game 5 is scheduled for Thursday in New York. The Pacers look to close out the series and advance to the NBA Finals, while the Knicks will fight to extend their season.